This last action of Pontiac opened Major Gladwyn's eye to the fact that the Indians were in deadly earnest, and soon it was reported that the red men were surrounding the fort upon every side, and that their numbers were constantly increasing. Provisions were now running low and those within the stronghold knew not what to do.
"We had better leave the fort and sail for Niagara," said one officer. "All told, we have less than two hundred men, while the redskins must number at least a thousand if not two thousand."
"Yes, and we must remember that all our buildings are of wood," said another. "If they throw in fire arrows we are bound to have a big conflagration."
"With a tree they could batter down our gates with ease," said still another. "And what could two hundred of us do against two thousand? They would kill and scalp every one of us."
So the talk ran on. But others thought it would be most unwise to surrender the fort at this time, and one brought in news of a Canadian who had some hogs and cattle that he proposed to let Major Gladwyn have. The cisterns about the place were filled with water and the roofs of the various buildings were frequency wet down. The palisade was strengthened, and when the Indians were away trying to obtain food for themselves, small parties ventured outside the fort grounds, and burned or tore down the buildings near by, so that the enemy could not use them for shelter.
"This looks as if we were booked to remain at Fort Detroit for some time," remarked Dave, one day. "I don't think that Frenchman will come back here while this trouble is taking place."
"I hardly think so myself, Dave," answered Barringford. "Howsomever, all we can do is to wait and see."
"I've heard that Major Gladwyn is going to send one of the schooners to Niagara for provisions." The vessel set sail several days later, the Indians doing their best to capture her, but without avail.
Day after day passed and soon came another attack by the Indians. During this encounter the red men tried their best to burn down the buildings inside the palisade, but the garrison was on the alert and the fire was put out without much damage being done. Provisions were now so low that Dave and Barringford received next to nothing to eat.
"Can't stand this," said the old frontiersman. "Unless I miss my guess it's goin' to stay this way all summer, too."