CHAPTER IX.
SEVEN OAKS MASSACRE.
Semple's course is on trial.

Self-assertion and dictation bring their own penalty with them.

That so experienced a leader as Colin Robertson, who had been in both Companies, who knew the native element, and was acquainted with the daring and recklessness of the Nor'-Wester leaders, hesitated about demolishing Fort Gibraltar should have given Governor Semple pause.

Ignorance and inexperience sometimes give men rare courage.

But while Semple was self-confident he could not be exonerated from paying the price of his rashness.
Undoubtedly the Governor knew that the "Nor'-Westers" after their aggressiveness during the year 1815 were planning an attack upon Fort Douglas and upon the Colonists.