The thought expressed in this manner was too much for the governor.
He dismissed the meeting with a hurried admonition to be prepared for the worst.
As he re-entered his house, he encountered his daughter face to face.
“Father, I was about to seek you,” said she. “They tell me that you have heard bad news.”
“Bad enough, girl! The red-skins are going to attack us.”
“Is there no hope?”
“Hope, for what?”
“That this bloodshed may be avoided. Will they not listen to an offer of reconciliation?”
“And who would dare to make it?”
“Dare, father! I do not understand you. It is the duty of those who have done wrong to contrive by concession to atone for it, and, if possible, to make peace.”