Canada was saved!

It was then that those officers who strongly opposed Brock’s determination to attack became suddenly wise after the event and eager to share the honour.  The temptation to improve the opportunity, to any man less strong than our hero, would have been irresistible, but there was no display of vainglory, no cheap boasting.  The sword of the conquered American general was accepted with manly deference and the consideration due to his rank, and he was told, without solicitation on his part, he could return to the United States on parole.  Then Brock hurriedly dictated a brief and modest despatch apprising Sir George Prevost of the “capture of this very important post,” and quite realizing that he was merely an instrument in the hands of Providence, and gratitude and the happiness of those he held most dear being uppermost in his mind, the captor of Detroit wrote this characteristic letter.

“Headquarters, Detroit,
“August 16, 1812.

“My dear Brothers and Friends,—­Rejoice at my good fortune and join
me in prayers to heaven.  I send you a copy of my hasty note to Sir
George.  Let me know that you are all united and happy.

“ISAAC.”

And so it came about that in this strange and noble fashion General Brock—­“Master Isaac of St. Peter’s Port”—­overcame the enemy in the wilds of Michigan and passed his fourth milestone.

CHAPTER XXI.

CHAGRIN IN THE UNITED STATES.

The conduct of the Indians under Tecumseh at Detroit had been marked by great heroism and strict adherence to their pledges.  “The instant the enemy submitted, his life became sacred.”  In recognition of Tecumseh’s work, and in the presence of the troops formed in the fort square, Brock handed him his silver-mounted pistols, and taking off his sash, tied it round the body of the chief.

A suspicion of a smile—­the faint smile of elation of the well-trained child accepting a prize—­flitted across the Indian’s finely chiselled face as, proudly inclining his head, he silently took the crimson band.  Then unwinding his own parti-colored, closely-woven Red River belt, “Would the great white shemogonis (warrior),” he whispered, “accept the simple sash of the Shawanese in return?”

To this there was a sequel.  The next day, when he bade Brock farewell, Tecumseh wore no sash.  “Roundhead,” he explained, “was an older, an abler warrior than himself.  While he was present he could not think of wearing such a badge of distinction.”  He had given the sash to the Wyandotte chieftain.  Tecumseh proved himself a greater diplomat than Hull.