"
"I don't know exactly. I have not had admittance to the fort. I
might be deceived as to numbers; but they're strong, I believe,
Monsieur le Gouverneur, at least they make a great show and much
noise."
Hamilton eyed the huge bulk before him for a moment, then turning
to a subaltern said:
"Place this fellow under guard and see that he doesn't get away.
Send word immediately to Captain Farnsworth that I wish to see him
at once."
The interview thereupon closed abruptly. Hamilton's emissaries had
given him a detailed account of M. Roussillon's share in
submitting Vincennes to rebel dominion, and he was not in the
least inclined toward treating him graciously.
"I would suggest to you, Monsieur le Gouverneur, that my official
position demands--" M. Roussillon began; but he was fastened upon
by two guards, who roughly hustled him aft and bound him so
rigidly that he could scarcely move finger or toe.
Hamilton smiled coldly and turned to give some orders to a
stalwart, ruddy young officer who in a canoe had just rowed
alongside the batteau.
"Captain Farnsworth," he said, acknowledging the military salute,
"you will take fifty men and make everything ready for a
reconnaissance in the direction of the fort. We will move down the
river immediately and choose a place to land. Move lively, we have
no time to lose.
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