On his return he gazed searchingly at the scout for an instant, and then, with an apparent effort to control himself, said:
“I am ready to listen to anything you have to tell me, sir.”
His manner convinced the lad that something was wrong; but he was there and must speak, therefore, acting as if he suspected nothing amiss, he began:
“I believe, General Burgoyne, that you have heard of the battle of Oriskany through Captain Brant, therefore know of its outcome, and I need not dwell upon it.”
The officer merely bowed assent.
“The ill-feeling created there,” Ira continued, “soon showed itself throughout the Indian encampment, so that when I first visited it some of the warriors had departed, and before I came away a bare hundred of the original force remained.”
“You are sure you said nothing to hasten their departure?” the general inquired pointedly.
“I only told them that large reinforcements were on the way to strengthen the fort, which was true, sir. I passed Colonel Arnold with twelve hundred men as I went up country.”
“It makes a difference sometimes how even the truth is told,” the commander said, and again he gave the scout a searching glance.
“Yes, sir,” the lad admitted; “but to continue my report, Colonel St. Leger, finding himself deserted by his allies, and unable to stand against the Continental reinforcements, decided to abandon the siege. Retreating to Oswego, he has sailed for Canada.”