CHAPTER XI.
Alarm at Astoria .-- Rumor of Indian Hostilities .-- Preparations for Defense .-- Tragic Fate of the Tonquin.
THE sailing of the Tonquin, and the departure of Mr.David Stuart and his detachment, had produced a striking effect on affairs at Astoria.
The natives who had swarmed about the place began immediately to drop off, until at length not an Indian was to be seen.

This, at first, was attributed to the want of peltries with which to trade; but in a little while the mystery was explained in a more alarming manner.

A conspiracy was said to be on foot among the neighboring tribes to make a combined attack upon the white men, now that they were so reduced in number.

For this purpose there had been a gathering of warriors in a neighboring bay, under pretext of fishing for sturgeon; and fleets of canoes were expected to join them from the north and South.

Even Comcomly, the one-eyed chief, notwithstanding his professed friendship for Mr.
M'Dougal, was strongly suspected of being concerned in this general combination.
Alarmed at rumors of this impending danger, the Astorians suspended their regular labor, and set to work, with all haste, to throw up temporary works for refuge and defense.