plomacy. Hamilton saw it, but he was not of a diplomatic temper or
character. With the Indians he used a demoralizing system of bribery,
while toward the whites he was too often gruff, imperious, repellant.
Helm understood the whole situation and was quick to take advantage of
it. His personal relations with Hamilton were easy and familiar, so
that he did not hesitate to give advice upon all occasions. Here his
jovial disposition helped him.

"You'd better let Vigo return to St. Louis," he said. They had a bowl
of something hot steaming between them. "I know him. He's harmless if
you don't rub him too hard the wrong way. He'll go back, if you treat
him well, and tell Clark how strong you are here and how foolish it
would be to think of attacking you. Clark has but a handful of men,
poorly supplied and tired with long, hard marches. If you'll think a
moment you cannot fail to understand that you'd better be friends with
this man Vigo. He and Father Gibault and this old priest here, Beret,
carry these Frenchmen in their pockets. I'm not on your side,
understand, I'm an American, and I'd blow the whole of you to kingdom
come in a minute, if I could; but common sense is common sense all the
same. There's no good to you and no harm to Clark in mistreating, or
even holding this prisoner. What harm can he do you by going back to
Clark and telling him the whole truth? Clark knew everything long
before Vigo reached here. Old Jazon, my best scout, left here the day
you took possession, and you may bet he got to Kaskaskia in short
order. He never fails. But he'll tell Clark to stay where he is, and
Vigo can do no more."

What effect Helm's bold and apparently artless talk had upon Hamilton's
mind is not recorded; but the meager historical facts at command show
that Vigo was released and permitted to return under promise that he
would give no information to the enemy ON HIS WAY to Kaskaskia.

Doubtless this bit of careless diplomacy on the Governor's part did
have a somewhat soothing effect upon a large class of Frenchmen at
Vincennes; but Farnsworth quickly neutralized it to a serious extent by
a foolish act while slightly under the influence of liquor.

He met Father Beret near Roussillon place, and feeling his ribs squirm
at sight of the priest, he accosted him insolently, demanding
information as to the whereabouts of the missing flag.

A priest may be good and true--Father Beret certainly was--and yet have
the strongest c