ad on several occasions succeeded in gaining over and securing the
friendship of those who came with the intention of attacking the fort.
Under ordinary circumstances he would have felt confident, even should
he be unable by diplomacy to pacify the Indians, of easily keeping them
at bay, as the fort was sufficiently strong to resist any ordinary
attack. Having, however, now but a very small garrison, and being hard
pressed for provisions, he felt more anxious than usual as to the result
should the fort be attacked; for of the savage character of the Sioux he
had already had too much experience not to know the fearful cruelties
they would practise should they gain the victory. He examined every
part of the fort, and showed his men those points most likely to be
assailed, and which it was necessary to guard with the greatest
vigilance. It might, however, have damped their spirits had he told
them of the scanty supply of provisions which remained. Still he hoped
to hold out till the enemy were driven away, when the expected relief
might arrive, or the hunters return with a supply of game.

Mrs Ramsay was fully aware of the state of things. She had before been
exposed to similar dangers. "We must not faint, dear husband," she
said, "but continue to put our trust in God. He will relieve us if he
thinks fit. At all events, let us have faith in His protecting love,
and know that He does all for the best."

Several hours passed by, and still the strange Indians did not approach.

"There's a man coming towards the fort," shouted the look-out from the
tower. "He drags himself but slowly over the snow, and appears to be
wounded. He is one of our own people," added the sentinel, in a short
time, "and seems to be signing to us to send him assistance."

Mr Ramsay, on hearing this, despatched two of the garrison to bring in
the wounded hunter. They lifted him along, looking every now and then
behind, as if they expected to be followed. At length they arrived at
the gate, but the poor fellow Jaques Venot, was so exhausted from loss
of blood that he could not at first speak. On reviving, after his
wounds had been bound up, and a cordial given him, he had a sad tale to
tell. He and three other hunters were returning to the fort with the
flesh of a moose and bear which they had shot, when they were set upon
by a band of Sioux. His three companions were shot down, he himself
being wounded and taken prisoner by them. Inste