gs, even his faculties much more at command in his
wonted place, under the dusky red walls of the clay-daubed dome of the
council-chamber. And there Captain Stuart learned the reason of the
Cherokee king's interference yesterday to postpone his fate.

For Oconostota had evolved the bold project of the reduction of Fort
Prince George. This would consummate the triumph of the fall of Fort
Loudon, rid the greater portion of the Cherokee country of the presence
of the English, and, with their strongholds in the hands of the Indians,
reinforced by a few French gunners, prevent them from ever renewing
foothold. The powder left by Stuart he had found, in experimenting with
the guns, was not enough for a siege, but with the discovery of the ten
extra bags, the supply would prove most ample. The ammunition, together
with the guns, was to be at once removed and transported thither,
laborious though it might prove.

Stuart attempted to set forth the great difficulties of the undertaking,
but was met at every point by the foresight and ingenuity of Oconostota,
who had considered evidently each detail. It was plain that the project
was feasible, for the Indian, too lazy in peace to hoe a row of beans,
is capable in war of prodigies of valorous industry. Stuart began to
feel singularly placed, since he did not perceive in this his personal
concern, to be thus admitted to a council of war with the enemy. The
affability of Oconostota he knew was insincere, but being in the
Cherokee king's power the fraud of his amiability was more acceptable
than the ferocity of his candor.

"You will accompany the expedition," said the king of the Cherokees,
suavely.

"In what capacity?" Stuart asked, also politic, seeking to disguise his
anxiety, for any hesitation or refusal would renew his straits of
yesterday, Atta-Kulla-Kulla being as eager, as capable, and even more
subtle in planning the campaign than Oconostota.

"You will write the letters to the commandant of Fort Prince George,
summoning him in our names to surrender, and"--with a twinkle of the
eye--"advising him in your own name to comply."

Stuart bowed in bland acquiescence. "And the commandant will find it
very easy reading between the lines of any letters I shall write him,"
he said to himself.

Nevertheless, he still sought to dissuade them. In ignorance of the
state of the defenses at Fort Prince George, the strength of the works,
the supply of ammunition and provisions, the