"Has he many followers about here?" asked Barringford.
"He has, and they are constantly coming in, from the north and the west."
The weather proved fair, and about noon the schooner dropped anchor, and Barringford and Dave went ashore with the lieutenant and walked up to Fort Detroit. They were allowed to enter without question, and soon found themselves in the presence of Major Gladwyn.
The fort was built almost directly upon the bank of the Detroit River, which, at this point was about half a mile wide. The grounds were almost square and were surrounded by a palisade from twenty to twenty-five feet high. Inside of the defense were located numerous houses, and a great number of small dwellings were situated outside the fort, on both sides of the river. The place had been prosperous before the war with France and it looked as if it would be equally prosperous now that the conflict was at an end.
Dave found Major Gladwyn a gentlemanly sort of military man, who had been more than ordinarily successful in his intercourse with the Indians. The major had a garrison of a hundred and twenty soldiers, about half regular army men and the other half provincials. Military regulations were strictly enforced, and in the case of an attack each man was expected to do his duty.
"You have certainly made a long trip," said Major Gladwyn, after they had told their story. "What is your mission?"
"I am looking for a Frenchman named Benoit Vascal," said Barringford. "I was told he was in Detroit. I want very much to see him."
"Benoit Vascal?" mused the commandant of the fort. "I have certainly heard that name. It seems to me I met such a person only a few weeks ago."
"You do not know if he is around Detroit at present?" asked Barringford, anxiously. "You see," he went on, by way of explanation, "it is very important that I see this man."
"You might make some inquiries. Probably you can find out more about him from the Canadians than from the English."