CHAPTER XVIII.
MASSACRE AT CHICAGO.[29] It was the evening of the 7th of April, 1812.

The children of Mr.Kinzie were dancing before the fire to the music of their father's violin.

The tea-table was spread, and they were awaiting the return of their mother, who had gone to visit a sick neighbor about a quarter of a mile up the river.
Suddenly their sports were interrupted.

The door was thrown open, and Mrs.Kinzie rushed in, pale with terror, and scarcely able to articulate, "The Indians! the Indians!" "The Indians?
What?
Where ?" eagerly demanded they all.
"Up at Lee's Place, killing and scalping!" With difficulty Mrs.Kinzie composed herself sufficiently to give the information, "That, while she was up at Burns's, a man and a boy were seen running down with all speed on the opposite side of the river; that they had called across to give notice to Barns's family to save themselves, for _the Indians_ were at Lee's Place, from which they had just made their escape.

Having given this terrifying news, they had made all speed for the fort, which was on the same side of the river that they then were." All was now consternation and dismay.