This bit of formality ended, Governor Hamilton, attended by some of his officers, went back into the fort and the gate was closed.
Clark now gave orders that preparations be made for hauling down the British flag and hoisting the young banner of liberty in its place, when everything should be ready for a salute of thirteen guns from the captured battery.
Helm's round face was beaming.

Plainly it showed that his happiness was supreme.

He dared not say anything, however; for Clark was now all sternness and formality; it would be dangerous to take any liberties; but he could smile and roll his quid of tobacco from cheek to cheek.
Hamilton and Farnsworth, the latter slightly wounded in the left arm, which was bandaged, stood together somewhat apart from their fellow officers, while preliminary steps for celebrating their defeat and capture were in progress.

They looked forlorn enough to have excited deep sympathy under fairer conditions.
Outside the fort the creoles were beginning a noise of jubilation.

The rumor of what was going to be done had passed from mouth to mouth, until every soul in the town knew and thrilled with expectancy.