The party reached the fort late in the evening, and found it a stout place, well adapted for defence. George rode up to the gate—his horse now a sorry-looking creature—and asked to be conducted to the commandant. As soon as the message was delivered M. de St.-Pierre came out in person, and, receiving the letter from the Governor of Virginia with great respect, raising his hat in taking it, invited Major Washington's party in.
Although strictly attending to the commandant's conversation, George used his keen eyes to the utmost advantage, and he felt sure that Lance was doing the same thing. There were over a hundred soldiers in the fort, and not less than thirty officers.
George and his party were led through a court-yard, around which were barracks and officers' quarters, protected by bastions well provided with artillery. Arrived at the commandant's quarters, M. de St.-Pierre said, courteously, in English,
"When you and your party have refreshed yourselves for a day or two, Major Washington, we will discuss the matters contained in the Governor's letter."
Now this was just what George did not desire. He knew that every artifice would be practised on his Indian allies to win them to the French, as Captain Joncaire had done, with much greater prospect of success. How would he persuade them to leave the good food, the seductive liquor, and the presents that he felt sure the French were ready to shower upon them? His only dependence was upon Tanacharison and Black Bear. How often did he rejoice inwardly over that bucket of water he had given to Black Bear the night of the attack at Greenway Court, six years before! His reply, therefore, to the French commandant was polite but positive:
"I thank you, sir, for your kindness, but I am ready at this moment to proceed to the consideration of his Excellency's letter."
This slightly disconcerted M. de St.-Pierre, who had some inward contempt for the youth of the ambassador sent by the Governor.
"I shall have to send for my second in command, Captain Reparti," he said, "who left us this morning to visit another post."
"I hope, monsieur, that you will send for him at your earliest convenience, for my orders are peremptory—to deliver the letter and return with an answer at the earliest possible moment."
"If I send this evening," remarked M. de St.-Pierre, "my messenger might lose his way in the darkness."