All their large cannon had been burst or disabled, and only seven small pieces were fit for service.

The French battery in the foremost trench was almost completed, and, when this was done, the whole of Montcalm's thirty-one cannon and fifteen mortars would open fire, and, as a breach had already been effected in the wall, further resistance would have been madness.
On the night of the 8th, it was known in the fort that a council of war would be held in the morning, and that, undoubtedly, the fort would surrender.
James, with his company, had, after escorting the cattle to the fort, crossed the marsh to the intrenched camp, as the fort was already crowded with troops.

The company therefore avoided the horrors of the siege.

When the report circulated that a surrender would probably be made the next morning, Nat went to James.
"What are you going to do, captain ?" "Do, Nat?
Why, I have nothing to do.

If Monro and his council decide to surrender, there is an end of it.