In the foremost boat were four soldiers and three savages.

Nearing the fortress one of the soldiers conceived the daring plan of overpowering the Indian guard and escaping to the _Beaver_, which lay anchored in front of the fort.

Seizing the nearest savage he attempted to throw him into the river; but the Indian succeeded in stabbing him, and both fell overboard and were drowned.

The other savages, dreading capture, leapt out of the boat and swam ashore.

The bateau with the three soldiers in it reached the _Beaver_, and the provisions and ammunition it contained were taken to the fort.