The dead had to be buried and the wounded cared for. Just how to tell Washington that Tanacharison had taken him away Robert could not figure; but of course tell Washington he should. And finally he found a chance.
Washington, who was tired out and looked sad, nodded gravely.
“You must go with the Half-King,” he said. “He is sick and needs you. I do not need you. Tell him I call him brother and he must not fight against the English, for the French cannot keep this country.”
“When you come again I will help you, Washington,” said the Hunter. “I am American.”
Scarouady had returned. He stepped forward; and he said:
“Half-King old and sick, Connotaucarius. No fight um French, no fight um English. Me, Scarouady, brudder to English, fight um French. Me watch um. Next time you come, send for Scarouady.”
Then he shook hands with Washington and patted him on the back. The Hunter followed him and the Buck, to sleep upon the hill.
Early in the morning they all were up, to see what was going to happen. The fort had been busy much of the night by the light of fires; and it was still busy with men getting ready to march away. Some of the French were there waiting. Pretty soon the Washington soldiers, and the Mackaye soldiers started carrying a flag and beating their drums. Upon their backs or in litters of blankets they bore wounded men while other wounded men hobbled after. But they moved bravely, without fear of the French and Indians looking on.
It was a long file. Before it all had left the fort Tanacharison said:
“I have seen enough. Washington is not a man to give up easily, but now the French are here. Let us go too, or they will make me so I cannot travel.”