The day fixed for the Sayer trial by the legal authorities was a most unfortunate one.

It was on May 17th, which on that year was Ascension Day, a day of obligation among the Catholic people of the Settlement.

It was noticeable that there was much ferment in the French parishes.

Louis Riel, who was a violent, but effective speaker, of French, Irish and Indian descent, busied himself in stirring up resistance.

The fact that it was a Church day for the Metis made it easy for them to gather together.