n then,
she never would be able to return it.

"Major Gladwin sent for the woman, upon hearing of the expressions which
she had used, and it was evident that she wanted to communicate
something, but was afraid; but on being pressed hard and encouraged, and
assured of protection, she then informed Major Gladwin, that Pontiac and
his chiefs were to come into the fort to-morrow, under the plea of
holding a talk; but that they had cut the barrels of their rifles short,
to conceal them under their blankets, and that it was their intention,
at a signal given by Pontiac, to murder Major Gladwin and all his
officers who were at the council; while the other warriors, who would
also come into the fort with concealed arms, under pretence of trading,
would attack the garrison outside.

"Having obtained this information, Major Gladwin did all he could to put
the fort into a state of defence, and took every necessary precaution.
He made known to the officers and men what the intentions of the Indians
were, and instructed the officers how to act at the council, and the
garrison how to meet the pretended traders outside.

"About ten o'clock, Pontiac and his thirty-six chiefs, with a train of
warriors, came into the fort to their pretended council, and were
received with great politeness. Pontiac made his speech, and when he
came forward to present the wampum belt, the receipt of which by the
major was, as the Indian woman had informed them, to be the signal for
the chiefs and warriors to commence the assault, the major and his
officers drew their swords half out of their scabbards, and the troops,
with their muskets loaded and bayonets fixed, appeared outside and in
the council-room, all ready to present. Pontiac, brave as he really
was, turned pale: he perceived that he was discovered, and consequently,
to avoid any open detection, he finished his speech with many
professions of regard for the English. Major Gladwin then rose to reply
to him, and immediately informed him that he was aware of his plot and
his murderous intentions. Pontiac denied it; but Major Gladwin stepped
to the chief, and drawing aside his blanket, exposed his rifle cut
short, which left Pontiac and his chiefs without a word to say in reply.
Major Gladwin then desired Pontiac to quit the fort immediately, as
otherwise he should not be able to restrain the indignation of the
soldiers, who would immolate him and all his followers who were outside
the fort. Po