bstance of which
was that the savages would be allowed to commit every act of barbarity
their ingenuity could devise, if an assault should become necessary.

Nearly all the defenders of the fort laughed these threats and promises to
scorn, and it was believed that Gansevoort's men would hold out to the
bitter end.

We heard very much in addition, which was really no more than camp gossip,
and it is not necessary I set it down here.

Before the close of the day both Jacob and I really succeeded in going to
sleep, and the shadows of night were beginning to lengthen when we were
aroused by Sergeant Corney.

"I reckon I've heard all that the men in camp have to tell," he said, when
I stood upright in obedience to the pressure of his hand upon my shoulder.
"It only remains to get our instructions from General Herkimer before
makin' the attempt to have speech with those in the fort."

"Haven't you seen him yet?" I asked, in surprise, for it had been in my
mind that the old man would make every preparation before summoning us.

"No, lad. This is a venture in which we share the dangers equally, an'
it's no more than right you should hear all which may pass between the
general an' me. Therefore let us bring the business to an end as speedily
as may be."

Well, we presented ourselves before the commander, announcing that the
time had come when we were to leave camp, and, considering all the risks
which were to be run, it seemed to me as if the message he would have
delivered was exceeding brief and unimportant, as compared with what might
result from the attempt at delivery.

"I shall not give you a written message, lest you fall into the hands of
the enemy," he said, speaking in a kindly tone, and looking at us, as I
fancied, pityingly, much as one would at those who had been selected as
sacrifices. "It is in the highest degree necessary you get speech with
Colonel Gansevoort, and to such end make disposal of yourselves so that
should one, or even two, be taken or killed, the second or third may press
on. Having arrived, say to the commandant that I shall leave this camp
to-morrow morning, marching slowly toward the fort, and immediately after
he has received the information he is to fire three cannon in rapid
succession, thus notifying me that he understands the situation. You will
not, under the most favorable circumstances, finish the journey in less
than four and twenty hours, and by that time I shall be where the re