“You are a little vague, Major.”
“You will go to Frontenac in advance of the army to prepare the way. La Durantaye and Du Luth are already at Detroit, awaiting orders, with close to two hundred Frenchmen and four hundred Indians. And Tonty should 23 have joined them before now with several hundred Illinois.”
“I don’t believe he’ll bring many Illinois. They must have known of the Iroquois war party that started toward their villages. They will stay to defend their own country. They may not know that the Iroquois party was recalled.”
“Recalled?” said the Major.
“Yes. Father de Casson has the news from Father de Lamberville. You see what that means. The Iroquois have been warned.”
“I was afraid of it. These new governors, Menard––each has to learn his lesson from the beginning of the book. Why will they not take counsel from the men who know the Indians? This campaign has been heralded as broadly as a trading fair.”
“When should I start?” asked Menard, abruptly.
“At once––within a few days.” Major Provost looked at the other’s set face. “I am sorry about this, Menard. But you understand, I am sure. Perhaps I had better give you an idea of our plans. You know, of course, that we have three ships fitting out at Frontenac. Already our force is being got together at St. 24 Helen’s Island, by Montreal. Champigny is engaging canoemen and working out a transport and supply system between Montreal and Frontenac. The force will proceed to Frontenac, and embark from there in the ships, bateaux, and canoes.”
“Is the rendezvous at Niagara?”
“No, at La Famine, on the southern shore of Lake Ontario.”