And the twelve chiefs grunted an emphatic assent.
Rocheblave was puzzled, and temporized. He said:
“This is a grave matter. I must consult the old men and warriors. I will give an answer to the Grand Door at noon to-morrow. Is it good?”
“It is not good,” said Ruby, rising. “To-morrow we will come, but the Grand Door will be shut. The Governor of Kaskaskia must knock ere it be opened.”
So saying, she swept from the room, followed by her dusky escort, leaving Rocheblave astonished, while madame whined:
“Mon Dieu! Why did my cousin Roland make such a fool of himself? I told you she was a barbarian.”
CHAPTER XIII.
THE FORT.
The night closed in over Kaskaskia, cool and pleasant after the sultry day. There was no moon, but the stars were uncommonly brilliant, and there was no difficulty in traveling. The Governor of Kaskaskia, a few days before, had been exercising the militia of the neighboring country, with considerable force of Indian allies; for some vague rumors had reached him of a possible raid by the rebel Virginians. All along the banks of the Mississippi scouts and spies were stationed with swift horses, to give notice of any force ascending the river. But, as the days wore on, and no one came, the vigilance of the townspeople had slacked.