They are gradually increasing hi numbers; and if we delay,
the party will be wholly cut off."
In issuing these orders, Colonel de Haldimar evinced a
composedness that astonished all who heard him. But
although his voice was calm, despair was upon his brow.
Still he continued to gaze fixedly on the retreating form
of his enemy, until he finally disappeared behind the
orchard of the Canadian of the Fleur de lis.
Obeying the summons from the fort, the troops without
now commenced their retreat, bearing off the bodies of
their fallen officers and several of their comrades who
had fallen by the Indian fire. There was a show of
harassing them on their return; but they were too near
the fort to apprehend much danger. Two or three
well-directed discharges of artillery effectually checked
the onward progress of the savages; and, in the course
of a minute, they had again wholly disappeared.
In gloomy silence, and with anger and disappointment in
their hearts, the detachment now re-entered the fort.
Johnstone was only severely bruised; Sir Everard Valletort
not dead. Both were conveyed to the same room, where they
were instantly attended by the surgeon, who pronounced
the situation of the latter hopeless.
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