"Will you stay with me, Mr. Willet, and you also, Mr. Lennox, while I
talk to them?" asked Captain Colden. "You know these Frenchmen better
than I do, and their experience is so much greater than mine that I
need your help."
Robert and the hunter assented gladly. Robert, in truth, was very
curious to hear what these old friends and enemies of his had to say,
and he felt a thrill when the two recognized and saluted him in the
most friendly fashion, just as if they had never meant him any harm.
"Chance brings about strange meetings between us, Mr. Lennox," said De
Courcelles. "It gives me pleasure to note that you have not yet taken
any personal harm from our siege."
"Nor you nor Monsieur de Jumonville, from our successful defense,"
replied Robert in the same spirit.
"You have us there. The points so far are in your favor, although only
superficially so, as I shall make clear to you presently."
Then De Courcelles turned his attention to Colden, who he saw was the
nominal leader of the garrison.
"My name," he said, "is Auguste de Courcelles, a colonel in the
service of His Majesty, King Louis of France. My friend is Captain
Francois de Jumonville, and we have the honor to lead the numerous and
powerful force of French and Indians now besieging you.
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