One of the noblest attributes of the noblest of men was his disposition to do right, and to be just to every one. When the tempest of emotion had passed, and his natural calm returned, he added:

"I will not condemn him too harshly until I have heard his story from his own lips."

In due time, St. Clair presented himself before Washington, timid and fearful as to his reception. He was quickly set at ease, however, and the President kindly but earnestly questioned him. Despite the bad light in which the officer appeared, he had something to say in his own defence, and was entitled to a hearing. The regulars in his command were reliable, but most of the militia proved themselves worse than useless, for the example of their panic, which no one could check, had its disastrous effect upon their braver comrades as well.

Washington, however, made sure that the next general sent to the West was one who would not repeat the blunders of the others. He named that daring veteran "Mad Anthony" Wayne, and no officer could surpass him in the qualities required to overcome the hostiles, who had grown bolder than ever.

General Wayne began his campaign with the resolution to do the work thoroughly. He was eager to meet the hostiles, but was too wise to do so until every preparation was made. After entering the Indian country he did not neglect the slightest precaution. In the autumn of 1793, he built Fort Recovery on the site of St. Clair's defeat, followed by the erection of Fort Defiance, at the junction of the Miami and the Au Glaize. The next summer he began his march with two thousand regulars and eleven hundred mounted Kentucky militia. He entered the hostile section by a new and roundabout route, hoping to deceive Little Turtle as to his real line of march, but that wily chief was not misled.

Despite his fighting mood, Wayne did not give up hope of securing peace without a battle with the Indians. He thought that when they knew of the strong force marching against them, they would see the folly of resisting it. Learning that the redskins were in camp near the rapids of the Miami, he decided to send a messenger to them with peace proposals.

Now, while the office of a messenger to a civilized army brings no personal danger, it is otherwise when he visits an Indian force. Those people have no respect for a flag of truce, and have an unpleasant habit of killing visitors whom they do not like, when they present themselves with the white emblem fluttering over their heads. Among Wayne's troops was a man who had lived for several years with the Indians, who could speak their language, and knew all about them. When Wayne asked him to take his message to Little Turtle, he shook his head. He said the Indians were set upon war, that no argument or proposals could change that determination, and the chances were a hundred to one that they would kill him as soon as he appeared before them.

THE UNSUSPECTING
WHEELWRIGHT

Wayne told him he might have any escort he chose, and that he would hold eight prisoners then in his hands, as hostages. He was to warn the chiefs that if they did any harm to the messenger, or if he did not return to Wayne at the end of three days, every one of the eight captives would be put to death at once.