New-York tribune., 1901-08-18
4 y QIILDRrnS
H. ~ (DRN[R.
now 4 GIRL SAVED THE FORT.

Boys and girls, no less than men and women, In
the troubOus times when America was first
settled. held themselves ready at any time TO face
sudden danger without finchng. The story OF
Madeleine Jarret is still preserved in the records of
French Canada to show what has been done by
young girls quick Wit and courage.
On the southern bank of the ST. Lawrence Just
below the island of Montreal. lies the little Cana
dian county of VercheTes The town of Vercheres,
the capital of the county. is commonplace
manufacturing community. but two hundred years
ago. after the outbreak OF the bitter struggle be-
tween the French and the Iroquois II was a forti-
fled settlement of great Importance as we'll as Of
great danger. The Only highway from the Indian
haunts in the forests of New-York the Canadian
settlements lay along the water course of Lake
George and Lake Champlain and the RicheIieu
River. Vercheres. which was midway between
Montreal and Sorel. and at the junction of the
Richelieu and st. Lawrence guarded the immediate
approach by water to Montreal. and was at the
same time within easy reach of the maraudinz
bands of savages that swooped down on the ripe
fields of the Canadians. These attacks became so
frequent that last dared not till their
lands alone, and either abandoned their farms or
worked in companies. going first TO one farm then
10 another 70 gain the added security OF numbers
According 20 this custom twenty farmers had as
sembled at Vercheres in October. 1892. II was late
In the afternoon OF the 22d. The were hasten
ing to finish their task in the fields. half mile or
more from the little fort which crowned the river
bank. The day was bleak and gloomy Great
clouds hung gray and lowering in the sky sending
chill OF foreboding into the heart among
the workers Yet two persons in the little settle
ment that dreary afternoon paid no heed TO the
threatening weather. These were Louis and Alex
ander Jarret, of the commander OF the fort
who were watching Laviolette, the aged boat build
he put the finishing touches to a new bark
canoe Madeleine. their sister. fourteen years old
had Joined them. but anxious look stole into her
face she glanced and then toward the dis
tant fields. NJ. Jarret the commander had been
called away with his garrison by Governor FrOnte-
nae, on the rumor hat 10000 Bostonans were
their way to destroy the Canadian capital Only
the old carpenter and two broken down half witted
fellows We're left to guard the fort Upon Made
leine then came the of her two younger
brothers. and, In fact. she felt responsibility for
the fort itself in the absence OF any suitable de-
tenders But no trouble was expected. since all had
been quiet for several weeks.
The little group about the boat builder were
absorbed In admiration OF the beautiful canoe when
suddenly distant yell. shrill and piercing burst
upon their ears. bdnching their faces and freezing
them with terror.
Run, mademoisee, run! The Iroauoisr' gasped
Lavolette regaining his voice. seizing boy with
each hand he fairly leaped up the bank toward
the gate OF the fort.
The Indians in full View hurrying
along the open country between the fort and the
fields where the farmers We're at work They must
have come from the wooded edge OF the river below
Vercheres, for as the stream made slight bend at
that point they could not be observed from the
landlnS Where L.avioette and the ch!ldren had
been. Had proper watch been kept at the fort.
however the farmers might perhaps have been
warned in time. Madeleine knew at once that there
could be no help for the workmen among 80 many
savages. Her only hope was to save herself and
the few who might be In the fort Pressing closely
behind her three companions she threw herself in
side the gate of the palisade
ITO arms. To arms!' she shouted. breathessly |
"Gachet! La Bonte! To arms. To arms"' There |
was no response. Only two terrified women came /
rushing from their cabins In the inclosure to meet
her. and clung to her skirts with tears and sobs |
Their husbands in the fields, and that very !
moment perhaps would prove their last. The firing
and yelling outside grew louder mingled with cries
of distress. Madeleine rushed about in search of
the two men, AS she entered the covered passage
leading to the blockhouse she one of them in
the further and before she could reach him
the second appeared with a lighted taper in his
hand:
What you doing with that torch Gachet?'
she called out sharply the fellow turned toward
the store of powder him.
There IS no chance for u.s. mademoiselle" he
said his pale face growing more ghastlv IN the
faring light You do not know the Iroquois
Better to die here together than roast over the
oampires of those devils. We must blow up the
blockhouse"
You a miserable coward" cried the girl. /
"and you. too, Pierre La Bonte. Give me the
torch. Shall fling away lives without
shedding drop of their miserable blood? Let
fight to the last breath" Madeleine seized
musket she spoke. and her resolute es reused
the They armed themselves and taking
muskets for each of the two boys-tor very young
children In those days of terror knew how to ham
die hrearms-the five placed themselves In readiness
at the loophoes. Lavolette already busy
pairing breach In the palisade.
For some time the Indians were too much occu-
pied with their prey In the fields to turn their
attention the fort, which distance
from them. and the little company We're able to
lay their plans of defence. From time TO time
they fired the single the pride of the fort.
As night drew strong north wind began to
blow. and a cold. driving sleet upon
them. Not of the men had made his escape
TO the fort so cunningy had the savages arranged
themselves between the farmers and . PLACE OF
safety. Since her encounter with the two haf-wit-
ted fellows In the hlockhouss. Madeleine had