o him? You Rangers are the best of
messengers; and you have seen this great armament, and can speak
with authority concerning it. Tell him how sore our need is. It may
be that he can hurry up the reinforcements, or that they may be
already on their way. Even a few hundreds would be better than
none. At least he should know our need."

Fritz was ready in a moment to take the message, but he had small
hope of any result, and he saw that the brave Colonel had little
either. General Webb was a man upon whose courage and generalship
several aspersions had already been cast. If ever he was to regain
confidence and show these aspersions to be untrue, this was the
time to show himself in his true colours. But it was with no
confidence that Fritz set forth upon his errand.

Not long ago General Webb had visited the fort, and had given
certain orders and had spoken brave words about coming to command
in person should need arise; but he had returned to Fort Edward the
following day, and had then sent the reinforcements which were all
he was able to spare. It remained to be seen whether he would
fulfil his promise when he knew that the attack of the enemy might
be expected every hour.

Fritz rode in hot haste to the fort and asked for the General. He
brought news of urgency, he told them, and was instantly shown to
the General's quarters. He stood in silence whilst the letter which
Fritz brought was opened and read; then he abruptly asked the tall
young Ranger what it was he had seen.

Fritz told his tale in simple, graphic words, the General marching
up and down the room meantime, evidently in some perturbation of
spirit; but all he said at the close was:

"Go back and tell Colonel Monro that I have no troops here which I
can safely withdraw, but that I have sent, and will send, expresses
to the provinces for help."

Fritz was too much the soldier to make reply. He bowed and retired,
well knowing that no express sent to New England could be of the
smallest service now. It was with a bitter sense of failure that he
took the fresh horse provided for him and made all speed back to
the camp.

The road was still clear, but how long it would remain so there was
no knowing. Swarms of Indians were drawing around them. If succour
did not come quickly, it would arrive too late.

Monro received the message in silence, and continued to strengthen
his own defences as best he might. The next day brought the enemy
full in view, and t