Outside there were games and feasting and much loafing about; inside, the French soldiers drilled and stood guard and loafed, as though the English army was not feared. Nevertheless it was feared.
“These French know they can’t fight off Braddock’s men and cannon,” said James Smith. “I’ve guessed that. They’re layin’ low and foxin’ so the Injuns won’t run away. The Injuns are scared, you bet.”
He was glad to learn from Robert that the army was indeed very strong.
This evening there was a council of the French and the Indians, to talk things over. On his way to the council Shingis passed the Hunter and James. He grinned, and he said:
“Ugh! Pretty soon English come. March like fools, all togedder. Easy see ’um. French an’ Injun shoot ’um all down like one pigeon. What white boy an’ leetle Delaware think of that; huh?”
That did not sound good. But in the morning it looked as if the council had not agreed, for the French did not march out, and neither did the Indians. They still waited, and the French officers acted rather glum. Captain Beaujeu (who was a handsome young man, slim and pink-cheeked) spent considerable time among the chiefs. He appeared to be arguing with them, and talking with Langlade.
This afternoon, when James Smith was sleeping and Robert was sitting alone, trying to figure upon getting away, Guyasuta came at last and sat beside him.
“Too bad you here,” said Guyasuta in the Seneca. “Maybe you want to go.”
“You fight the English, Guyasuta?” the Hunter asked.