The red, or war-pipe, was
to be substituted as if by accident; and, for the success
of the deception, they were to presume on the ignorance
of their enemies. This, however, was not important, since
the period of their first parley was to be the moment
chosen for the arrangement of a future council, and the
proposal of a ball-playing upon the common. Three days
were to be named as the interval between the first
conference of Ponteac with the governor and the definitive
council which was to ensue; during which, however, it
was so arranged, that, before the lip of a red skin should
touch the pipe of peace, the ball-players should rush in
and massacre the unprepared soldiery, while the chiefs
despatched the officers in council.
It was the proximity of the period allotted for the
execution of their cruel scheme that mainly contributed
to the dismay of Captain de Haldimar. The very next day
was appointed for carrying into effect the first part of
the Indian plan: and how was it possible that a messenger,
even admitting he should elude the vigilance of the enemy,
could reach the distant post of Michilimackinac within
the short period on which hung the destiny of that devoted
fortress.
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