e bills came in. "I observe with great concern the astonishing consumption of rum at Detroit. This expense cannot be borne."
However, the Pottawattamies sharpened their hatchets and, newly outfitted, set out for the rapids of the Ohio.
"Bring them in alive if possible," was the parting admonition of De Peyster, warned by the obloquy of Hamilton. Vain remonstrance with four hundred and seventy-six dozen scalping knives at Bird's command!
From every unwary emigrant along the Ohio, daily the Delawares and Shawnees brought their offerings of scalps to Detroit, and throwing them down at the feet of the commander said, "Father, we have done as you directed us; we have struck your enemies."
The bounty was paid; the scalps were counted and flung into a cellar under the Council House.
And De Peyster, really a good fellow, like André, a bon vivant and lover of books and music, went on with his cards, balls, and assemblies, little feeling the iron that goes to the making of nations.
"Kentuckians very bad people! Ought to be scalped as fast as taken," said the Indians.
XIV
BEHIND THE CURTAIN
"We must dislodge this American general from his new conquest," said the British officers, "or tribe after tribe will be gained over and subdued. Thus will be destroyed the only barrier which protects the great trading establishments of the Northwest and Hudson's Bay. Nothing could then prevent the Americans from gaining the source of the Mississippi, gradually extending themselves by the Red River to Lake Winnipeg, from whence the descent of Nelson's River to York Fort would in time b
