As George knew the impossibility of getting the Indians off without the guns, he consented with the utmost readiness to remain; but he would have given half his fortune to have got off.
The day was one of intense nervous strain on him. His sole dependence in managing the Indians were Tanacharison and Black Bear. And what if they should betray him? But at night the old chief and his son came to him and promised most solemnly to get the chiefs away as soon as the guns should arrive in the morning. George had a luxurious bed in his rude though comfortable quarters, but he slept not one wink that night. By daylight he was up. Soon after Lance sidled up to him in the court-yard, and said,
"Sir, the guns have come—I saw them myself; but the Frenchies will not say a word about it unless they are asked."
Just then M. de St.-Pierre, wrapped in a great surtout, appeared, coming out of his quarters.
"Good-morning, Major Washington!" he cried.
"Good-morning, M. de St.-Pierre!" replied George, gayly. "I must give orders to my party for an early start, as the guns you promised the Indians have arrived, and I have no further excuse for remaining."
"Sacre bleu!" burst out M. de St.-Pierre; "I did not expect the guns so soon!" At which he looked into George's eyes, and suddenly both burst out laughing. The Frenchman saw that his ruse was understood.
The party were soon collected, and after a hearty breakfast George took his leave, and, much to the chagrin of the French, succeeded in carrying off all his Indian allies with him. They rapidly retraced their road, and when they made their first halt, ten miles from Fort Le Bœuf, George exclaimed, aside to Lance,
"This is the first easy moment I have known for twenty-four hours."
"'Tis the first I have had, sir, since we got to the first post, fourteen days ago!"