As the sentries peered out into the darkness occasional yells and whoops and the beating of drums reached their ears, telling of the war-dance that was being performed in the Indian villages to hearten the warriors for the slaughter.
Gladwyn determined to act boldly.

On the morning of the 7th all the traders' stores were closed and every man capable of bearing weapons was under arms; but the gates were left open as usual, and shortly after daylight Indians and squaws by twos and threes began to gather in the fort as if to trade.

At ten in the morning a line of chiefs with Pontiac at their head filed along the road leading to the river gate.

All were painted and plumed and each one was wrapped in a brightly coloured blanket.
When they entered the fort they were astonished to see the warlike preparations, but stoically concealed their surprise.

Arrived in the council-chamber, the chiefs noticed the sentinels standing at arms, the commandant and his officers seated, their faces stern and set, pistols in their belts and swords by their sides.