Clark
has but a handful of men, poorly supplied and tired with long,
hard marches. If you'll think a moment you cannot fail to
understand that you'd better be friends with this man Vigo. He and
Father Gibault and this old priest here, Beret, carry these
Frenchmen in their pockets. I'm not on your side, understand, I'm
an American, and I'd blow the whole of you to kingdom come in a
minute, if I could; but common sense is common sense all the same.
There's no good to you and no harm to Clark in mistreating, or
even holding this prisoner. What harm can he do you by going back
to Clark and telling him the whole truth? Clark knew everything
long before Vigo reached here. Old Jazon, my best scout, left here
the day you took possession, and you may bet he got to Kaskaskia
in short order. He never fails. But he'll tell Clark to stay where
he is, and Vigo can do no more."
What effect Helm's bold and apparently artless talk had upon
Hamilton's mind is not recorded; but the meager historical facts
at command show that Vigo was released and permitted to return
under promise that he would give no information to the enemy ON
HIS WAY to Kaskaskia.
Doubtless this bit of careless diplomacy on the Governor's part
did have a somewhat soothing effect upon a large class of
Frenchmen at Vincennes; but Farnsworth quickly neutralized it to a
serious extent by a foolish act while slightly under the influence
of liquor.
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