Page:Lacrosse- The National Game of Canada (New Edition).djvu/89

 72 soldiers were allowed more freedom than usual, while Indians and a multitude of their squaws and children flocked about the doors and gate.

An invitation of apparent friendliness from the Ojibways was sent to the fort, to witness a grand game of baggataway, as Lacrosse was then called, between them and the Sacs, on the plain in front. They had played it very often before among themselves for the amusement of the garrison, but this game was intended to be especially interesting in honor of the day. The gates were opened wide; the soldiers were lying and standing about in groups in undress—the majority without arms. Capt. Etherington and Lieut. Leslie were standing close to the gate,—the latter betting that the Ojibways would win. The cross of St. George floated proudly from the flag-staff, and the little garrison felt that though thousands of miles from home, they could honor the birthday of their king. Indian warriors, French, and a large number of squaws were mixed up in little groups, lying and sitting on the ground near the fort.

The players, nearly naked, and each carrying one of the sticks shown on, separated from