Four days afterwards the report was that the General was dead, and scalped by a French Indian.
Ah, what a scream poor Mrs.Mountain gave, when Gumbo brought this news from across the James River, and little Fanny sprang crying to her mother's arms! "Lord God Almighty, watch over us, and defend my boy!" said Mrs.Esmond, sinking down on her knees, and lifting her rigid hands to Heaven.

The gentlemen were not at home when this rumour arrived, but they came in an hour or two afterwards, each from his hunt for news.
The Scots tutor did not dare to look up and meet the widow's agonising looks.

Harry Warrington was as pale as his mother.

It might not be true about the manner of the General's death--but he was dead.

The army had been surprised by Indians, and had fled, and been killed without seeing the enemy.