"What!" exclaimed Washington, "General Pierre Paul?"
"Yes; messengers have been sent to the Indian traders down the river announcing his death, and the return of the major part of the army into winter quarters," answered Frazier.
"A sudden death, no doubt, and it must necessitate some change in the present plans of the French," remarked Washington.
"Doubtless," replied Frazier. "He died on the twenty-ninth day of October, nearly a month ago. It will not affect your business, however."
"No; but this torrent will," answered Washington, alluding to the impassable waters of the Monongahela, which the rains had swollen to a flood.
"No crossing here except by swimming the horses."
"And that will be hardly advisable," rejoined Frazier, "since you can take your baggage down to the fork of the Ohio in a canoe."
"A good suggestion," said Washington. "Can you provide me with a canoe?"
"Fortunately I can, and shall be glad to render you any other assistance possible. It is ten miles to the fork, and you will reach there with the horses before the canoe with the baggage."