uency, on
the thatched roofs within the palisades.

With all this, there was no thought of yielding in the minds of Gladwyn
or his men. The red cross of St. George still floated proudly above
them, and each evening the sullen boom of the sunset gun echoed
defiantly across the waters of the broad river.

While the Indians could not be induced to attempt a general assault
upon the slight defences, in spite of its prospects of almost certain
success, Pontiac so skilfully disposed his forces that not only was the
fort under constant watch, but no one could approach it in any
direction without discovery. They, too, collected all the provisions
within their reach, purchasing quantities from the Canadians, and
gathering them in the commodious house that still held Major Hester a
prisoner-guest. Eagerly as the besieged watched for reinforcements and
supplies, the Indians were no less keenly on the lookout for the same
things.

Knowing that Cuyler's expedition must have started from Fort Niagara,
Major Gladwyn despatched the schooner that bore his name down the lake,
to intercept, warn, and hasten it. The _Gladwyn_ narrowly escaped
capture by a great fleet of canoes, as she lay becalmed at the mouth of
the river, and was only saved by the springing up of a timely breeze.
She failed to discover the object of her search, and finally reached
the Niagara without having delivered her warning.

It was now time for her return, while Cuyler should have arrived long
since; and day after day were the eyes of the weary garrison directed
down the shining river, in efforts to detect the first glint of sails
or flash of oars.

While matters stood thus, there came, late one afternoon, a loud cry,
announcing joyful tidings, from the sentinel on one of the river
bastions. His shout was taken up and repeated by all who happened to
be on the water front, and in a minute the whole place was astir. The
inhabitants poured into the narrow streets and hastened to the river's
edge, their haggard faces lighted with a new hope and their eager
voices exchanging the welcome news. The long-expected reinforcements
had come at last. The boats were in sight. They had escaped the
perils of their journey and were safely arrived. Now the danger was
over, and all would again be well with Detroit.

As the motley throng of soldiers, in soiled uniforms, traders,
voyageurs, pale-faced women, and wondering children, streamed to the
narrow beach beyond