His spies had brought him word of the great force that was mustering in the south, and he did not know whether to await the attack at Ticonderoga or to retreat to the powerful fortifications at Crown Point on Lake Champlain.

His own ardent soul, flushed by the successes he had already won, told him to stay, but prudence bade him go.

Now he wanted to hear what St.Luc had to say and wanting it he knew also that the Chevalier was the most valiant and daring of his captains.

He wished to hear from the dauntless leader just what he wished to hear and nothing else.
"Your observations, then, confirm what the spies have reported ?" he said.

"The enemy can easily control Lake George!" "He has only to make an effort to do so, my general," replied St.
Luc.