The fears
entertained for the fate of their companions, who had
set out in the perilous and almost forlorn hope of reaching
Michilimackinac, in time to prevent the consummation of
the threatened treachery, had, in some degree, if not
wholly, been allayed by the story narrated by the Ottawa
chief. It was evident, from his statement, the party had
again met, and been engaged in fearful struggle with the
gigantic warrior they had all so much reason to recollect;
and it was equally apparent, that in that struggle they
had been successful. But still, so many obstacles were
likely to be opposed to their navigation of the several
lakes and rivers over which lay their course, it was
almost feared, even if they eventually escaped unharmed
themselves, they could not possibly reach the fort in
time to communicate the danger that awaited their friends.
It is true, the time gained by Governor de Haldimar on
the first occasion had afforded a considerable interval,
of which advantage might be taken; but it was also, on
the other hand, uncertain whether Ponteac had commanded
the same delay in the council of the chiefs investing
Michilimackinac, to which he had himself assented.
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