Then he is avenged even in his death.
But what can women do in times of war?
They help, they cheer, they inspire, and if their cause is lost they must accept death or worse.
Few women have the courage for self-destruction.

"To the victor belong the spoils," and women have ever been the spoils of war.
No wonder Silas Zane and his men weakened in that moment.

With only a few charges for their rifles and none for the cannon how could they hope to hold out against the savages?
Alone they could have drawn their tomahawks and have made a dash through the lines of Indians, but with the women and the children that was impossible.
"Wetzel, what can we do?
For God's sake, advise us!" said Silas hoarsely.

"We cannot hold the Fort without powder.

We cannot leave the women here.