The Indians consulted together and it was not long before their plan for attack was complete. The band was to divide into two parts, one under Rain Cloud and the other under Black Ear. Black Ear, with four warriors, was to steal down to a point between the river and the brook and make a demonstration there, as if to get into the grounds at that point. As soon as those in the trading-post rushed forward in that direction, the Indians under Rain Cloud were to make a rush for the palisade close to the gates. As soon as some were over the palisade they were to throw the gates open, thus letting in the others, and then between both parties the whites were to be shot down or tomahawked as speedily as possible.
The plan pleased all of the Indians present, and it took but a few minutes to make up the two parties. Then Black Ear departed, making a wide detour, so that his movements might not be witnessed by those at the post. It was no easy task to get through the woods and down to the river, but the red men thought nothing of this, their whole mind being set on capturing the post.
"There is much of value there," said Black Ear. "I saw it with my own eyes—rum, and tobacco, and furs, and great quantities of provisions." His description was correct excepting for the rum. James Morris kept but very little liquor on hand, and did not advocate its use excepting in cases of necessity.
After the departure of Black Ear, Rain Cloud called the other Indians together and made a fiery war speech to them.
"The whites are tired out with watching and they cannot shoot straight," said he. "We shall win an easy victory. We have but to be bold and before the sun rises the post shall be our own." And then he added: "Spare them not, for if they be allowed to live it will be but to tell tales about us—and that would cause trouble. A dead enemy can tell nothing."
CHAPTER IX
THE ATTACK ON THE TRADING-POST
Following the disappearance of Black Ear, those in the trading-post redoubled their vigilance. Each person was armed to the fullest possible extent, and each kept on the alert for a first view of the red enemy.
"They'll not wait another day," said one of the frontiersmen. "They will be too much afraid of the others coming back to aid us."
Presently came a noise from the direction of the brook and the river, and James Morris ran to that portion of the inclosure. In the uncertain light he saw seven or eight dark objects moving forward. Some were Indians and some were branches over which the red men had thrown blankets. The branches they carried at arm's length, so that in the semi-darkness it looked as if one Indian was moving by the side of another.