into the fort with concealed arms, under pretense of trading,
would attack the garrison outside.

"Having obtained this information, Major Gladwin did all he could to put
the fort into a state of defense, and took every necessary precaution.
He made known to the officers and men what the intentions of the Indians
were, and instructed the officers how to act at the council, and the
garrison how to meet the pretended traders outside.

"About ten o'clock, Pontiac and his thirty-six chiefs, with a train of
warriors, came into the fort to their pretended council, and were
received with great politeness. Pontiac made his speech, and when he
came forward to present the wampum belt, the receipt of which by the
Major was, as the Indian woman had informed them, to be the signal for
the chiefs and warriors to commence the assault, the Major and his
officers drew their swords half out of their scabbards, and the troops,
with their muskets loaded and bayonets fixed, appeared outside and in
the council-room, all ready to present. Pontiac, brave as he really was,
turned pale: he perceived that he was discovered, and consequently, to
avoid any open detection, he finished his speech with many professions
of regard for the English. Major Gladwin then rose to reply to him, and
immediately informed him that he was aware of his plot and his murderous
intentions. Pontiac denied it; but Major Gladwin stepped to the chief,
and drawing aside his blanket, exposed his rifle cut short, which left
Pontiac and his chiefs without a word to say in reply. Major Gladwin
then desired Pontiac to quit the fort immediately, as otherwise he
should not be able to restrain the indignation of the soldiers, who
would immolate him and all his followers who were outside of the fort.
Pontiac and his chiefs did not wait for a second intimation, but made
all the haste they could to get outside of the gates."

"Was it prudent in Major Gladwin to allow Pontiac and his chiefs to
leave, after they had come into the fort with an intent to murder him
and his men?" said Henry Campbell. "Would not the Major have been
justified in detaining them?"

"I certainly think he would have been, and so did my uncle, but Major
Gladwin thought otherwise. He said that he had promised safe conduct and
protection to and from the fort before he was aware of the conspiracy;
and, having made a promise, his honor would not allow him to depart from
it."

"At all events, the Major, if he er