But the roaring tornado of savage vengeance could not thus be divested of its terrors.

The messengers he sent, approaching a band of Indians, cried out to them, "We come to you as friends." They shouted back contemptuously, "Are you our friends?
You are only corn thieves." Refusing all intercourse they disappeared in the forest.
During all these scenes the infamous and cowardly Kieft ensconced himself securely within the walls of the fort.

The bewailings of ruined farmers, and of widows and orphan children rose all around him.
To divert public clamor, he fitted out several expeditions against the Indians.

But these expeditions all returned having accomplished nothing.
"The proud heart of the Director," writes Brodhead, "began to fail him at last.

In one week desolation and sorrow had taken the place of gladness and prosperity.