ie to the probability of such an event.

"Yes, that was what they came for," replied Ward; "and they were glad to
see one so far under way, no doubt, as it would lighten their labors."

"Did they make an attack?" inquired Washington.

"Captain Contrecoeur planted his cannon to sweep the fort, drew up his
men in readiness for an attack, and then sent a demand to the English to
surrender in one hour, or he would open fire."

"Under the circumstances you could not object with much resolution,"
remarked Washington.

"I didn't, but surrendered without parleying," replied Ward; "and we
were allowed to march out bearing our arms and all our tools."

"This is a declaration of war," remarked Washington, "and we must govern
ourselves accordingly."

He called his officers together for consultation, and said to them:

"The French have now invaded the frontier of the Colony, and as I
construe my instructions from the government, it is my duty to march
forward to meet the invaders."

"Without reinforcements from Colonel Fry?" anxiously inquired one of his
officers.

"No. We can march to the mouth of Red Stone Creek, which is thirty-seven
miles above the fort captured by the French, there throw up defences,
and await the arrival of reinforcements."

A messenger was posted away to Colonel Fry, while the army took up the
line of march to Red Stone Creek, where it hastily intrenched and
awaited reinforcements.

About the 1st of May, Captain Stevens arrived with his company of fifty
men. Colonel Fry remained at his post to complete arrangements and bring
up supplies; but he suddenly died, so that Washington was forced to act
as commander-in-chief.

With his little army increased to one hundred and fifty men, Washington
proceeded to Great Meadows, making a road suitable for transporting
supplies as he advanced, and reaching his destination on the 27th of
May. They had but just encamped when Mr. Gist arrived.

"I have seen the trail of a party within five miles of you, which I am
sure were French," he said to Washington, under evident excitement.

"I am not surprised at that announcement," replied Washington. "War is
inevitable, and we must accept the issue. We must look after these
French."

"Or they will look after _us_," retorted Gist. "The French mean
business; there can be no doubt of that. Unless we mean business it
is all up with us."

"I will pursue them at once," continued Washington; and he took forty
men, le