"I could have captured the boat builders on the point or have compelled their retirement, but large forces came to their relief.

The numbers of the foe are even greater than we had feared." "How many men do you think General Abercrombie will have when he advances against us ?" "Not less than fifteen thousand, sir, perhaps more." The face of Montcalm fell.
"As many as that!" he exclaimed.

"It is more than four to one!" "He cannot have less, sir," repeated St.Luc positively.
Montcalm's brow clouded and he paced back and forth.
"And the Indians who have been so powerful an ally," he said at last.
"They are frightened by the reports concerning the Anglo-American army.

After their fashion they wish to run away before superior force, and fight when the odds are not so great.

It is most embarrassing to lose their help, at such a critical time.