He knew that unless he let the scouts go back into the stockade they would escape by running away, and might possibly organize an army of Indians with which to succor Hamilton.

But if they were permitted to go inside they could be captured with the rest of the garrison; hence his order.
A few minutes passed in dead silence; then Captain Lamothe and his party marched close by where Beverley's squad was lying concealed.

It was a difficult task to restrain the creoles, for some of them hated Lamothe.

Oncle Jazon squirmed like a snake while they filed past all unaware that an enemy lurked so near.

When they reached the fort, ladders were put down for them and they began to clamber over the wall, crowding and pushing one another in wild haste.