A long, deep gasp, like a groan, came from the crowd, and then Robert heard the sound of a woman on the outskirts weeping.
"Our army destroyed!" repeated Colden mechanically.
"And the whole border is laid bare to the French and Indian hosts," said Robert.

"Many bands are converging now upon Fort Refuge, and the place cannot be held against so many." "You mean abandon Fort Refuge ?" "Aye, Colden, it's what wiser men than I say, Dave here, and Tayoga, and Black Rifle." "The lad is speaking you true, Captain Colden," said Willet.

"Not only must you and your garrison and people leave Fort Refuge, but you must leave it tomorrow, and you must burn it, too." Again Robert heard the sound of a woman weeping in the outskirts of the crowd.
"We held it once against the enemy," protested Colden.
"I know," said Willet, "but you couldn't do it now.

A thousand warriors, yes, more, would gather here for the siege, and the French themselves would come with cannon.

The big guns would blow your palisades to splinters.