Madeleine Takes Command

WORKING with feverish haste, Madeleine selected muskets, pistols, powder and bullets. The sight of a man’s hat, an old one that had belonged to her father, lying on a powder cask, gave her an idea. She pulled off her linen cap and put on the hat. It was not too large over her heavy hair, and, seen above the pickets, it would deceive the Indians. She was adjusting powder horn and bullet pouch when Louis and Alexandre ran in with Laviolette at their heels.

“Arm yourselves quickly,” Madeleine ordered.

“What is your plan, Ma’m’selle?” the old soldier inquired.

“To defend the seigneury to the last. The little children must stay in the blockhouse and their mothers with them. That leaves only six of us to guard the palisades. We must try to make the Mohawks believe that we have a strong garrison. If they attack, we can only do our best. We are fighting for our people—what there are left of them—for our country and our faith. Let us fight to the death if need be.”

AND SO MADELEINE and her small force begin their harrowing vigil—hoping against all hope that help will come in time.