Captain Vanbraam strutted off with Robert at his heels; and saluting at the open flaps of a tent guarded by a soldier, said:
“Here is one to see you, colonel.”
George Washington replied:
“Let him come in.”
Washington, in red uniform, was sitting upon a stool at a little table, writing in the dusk; when he saw the Hunter he stood up—his eye was quick, he knew that something was the matter, for with tired face suddenly made hard and sharp he uttered:
“The Hunter! You’ve been travelling—you bring news?”
“Tanacharison says to Washington: ‘Your brother cries from his heart to you to come quick and help us or all is lost and he may never see you again.’”
“What?” exclaimed Washington. “How’s that? Where are you from?”
“The Forks. The French come, one thousand. Tanacharison send me for Washington.”
“What did the French do? Where is Ensign Ward, who builds the fort?”