Under Captain Farnsworth's immediate supervision the fort was soon
in excellent repair and a large blockhouse and comfortable
quarters for the men were built. Every day added to the strength
of the works and to the importance of the post as a strategic
position for the advance guard of the British army.
Hamilton was ambitious to prove himself conspicuously valuable to
his country. He was dreaming vast dreams and laying large plans.
The Indians were soon anxious to gain his favor; and to bind them
securely to him he offered liberal pay in rum and firearms,
blankets, trinkets and ammunition for the scalps of rebels. He
kept this as secret as possible from his prisoners; but Beverley
soon suspected that a "traffic in hair," as the terrible business
had been named, was going on. Savages came in from far away with
scalps yet scarcely dry dangling at their belts. It made the young
Virginian's blood chill in his heart, and he regretted that he had
given Hamilton his parole of honor not to attempt to escape.
Among the Indians occasionally reporting to Hamilton with their
ghastly but valuable trophies was Long-Hair, who slipped into the
fort and out again rather warily, not having much confidence in
those Frenchmen who had once upon a time given him a memorable run
for his life.
Winter shut down, not cold, but damp, changeable, raw.
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