Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-09-29

Cleared all these vsrmfn from my es-
tate. You will excuse me now. as there
are one or two things which demand
my attention De Catinat, you are q
tried soldier. and I should be glad OF
your advice"
1t was bright daylight now. and the
square Enclosure within the stockade
was flied with an anxious crowd who
had just learned the evil tidings. The
scouting party under Du Lhut and
Achille de la Noue had already left
and at the orders OF the seigneur the
two gates were now secured with huge
bars OF oak fitted into iron staples on
either side. The children were placed
in the lower storeroom with few
women TO watch them. while the 9TH
ers were told OF 10 attend to the fire
buckets and to reload the muskets.
The men bad been paraded. fifty-two
OF them IN all. and they were divided
into parties now for the defense OF
each part OF the stockade. On one
side II had been built up to within n
few yards OF the river. which not only
relieved them from the defense OF that
face, but enabled them to get fresh
water by throwing bucket az the end
OF a rope from the stockade- The
boats and canoes Of Ste. Marie We're
drawn up on the bank just under the
vail aad were precious now as offer
ing a last means Of escape should ali
else fail. The next fort. St Louis. was
but n few leagues up the river, and
De Ia Noue had already sent a swift
messenger to them with news OF the
danger. At least it would be a point
on W lch they might retreat should the
worst come 10 the worst.
And that the worst might come TO
the worst was very evident to so ex-
perienced n woodsman as Amos Green
He had left Ephraim Savage snoring
ia a deep sleep upon the floor and was
now walking round the defeuses with
his pipe IN his mouth. examining with
a critical eye every detail in connec-
ton with them. The stockade was
very strong. nine feet high and closely
built OF oak stakes, which were thick
enough TO turn a bullet. Halfway up
Il was loopholed in long. narrow Sits
for the FIRE OF the defenders. But. on
the other hand. the trees grew 20 with
in a hundred yards OF II and formed
screen for the attack. while the garri-
son was so scanty that ~ could not
spare more than twenty men at the
utmost for each face. His face dark
ened as he thought OF the young wife
who had come so far IN their safe
keeping and OF the women and chill
dren whom ne had seen crowding into
the fort.
Would Il not be better II you could
send them mp the riverT' he suggested
20 the seigneur.
IL should very gladly do 50, mon
sieur, and perhaps. II we are all alive.
we may manage IL tonight II the
weather should be cloudy. but I can
not spare the men TO guard them and
when we know that Iroquois canoes
are on the river"
you are right. II would be mad
ness"
II have stationed you on the eastern
face with your friends and with ar
teen men. NJ. de Cotinat. will you
command the partyT
Willingly"
Il VIII take the south face. as Il
seems 20 be the point OF danger. Du
Lhut can take the north and Eve men
should be enough 10 watch the river
side"
"Have we food and powderT"
81 have -four aud smoked cells enough
10 see this matter through As TO pow
der. we have all our trading stores TO
draw upon"
I'VE have not time 10 clear any OF
these treesy" asked the soldier.
Impossible. They would make bet.
ter cover down"
But at least might clear that patch
OF brushwood round the birch sapling
which lies between the east face and
the edge Of the forest. II is good cover
for their skirmishers."
Yes; that should be fred without
delay"
NAY; think that I might do bet
Ter" said Amos. I'VE might bait a
trap for them there. Where is this
powder OF which you spoken
"Theuriet, the major domo, Is giving
out powder in the main storehouse."
stairs and returned with large linen
bag in his hand. This he filed with
powder, and then, singing il over his
shoulder he carried IL out to the clump
OF bushes and placed IL at the base OF
the sapling. cutting a strip out OF the
bark Immediately above the spot.
Then with a few leafy branches and
fallen leaves he covered the powder
bag very carefully over, so that IL
looked like little hilIock OF earth.
Having arranged all 10 his satisfaction,
he returned.
II think that we are all ready for
them now" said the seigneur. II would
that the women and children were In
safe place. Has any one heard any
thing Of Du LhutT"
Jean has the best ears Of any OF us.
your exceliency," said one man from
beside the brass corner cannon "He