“As to ‘forbearance,’ which I am constantly urged by Sir George Prevost to adopt, you are entitled to my views.  While forbearance may be productive of some good, I gravely doubt the wisdom of such a policy; but, let me add, I may not, perhaps, have the means of judging correctly.  We cannot, however, disguise the fact we are standing alongside a loaded mine.  Let us be prepared for the explosion.  It may come at any moment.  Vigilance, readiness and promptness must be our watchwords.  Might I ask you to remember my family motto, ’He who guards never sleeps.’  Even to-morrow may bring surprises—­such stormy weather as we are having seems strangely suitable for covering an attack.

“I think, gentlemen, if we weigh well the character of our enemy, we shall find him disposed to brave the impediments of nature—­when they afford him a probability of gaining his end by surprise, in preference to the certainty of meeting British troops ready formed for his reception.  But do not, because we were successful at Detroit in stampeding the United States troops, cherish the impression that General Hull is a sample of American soldiery.  If we are taken by surprise the attack will soon be known, for our range of beacons extends from the Sugar Loaf to Queenston, from Lundy’s Lane to Pelham Heights.  Signal guns, also, will announce any suspicious movement.  One word in conclusion.  As soldiers you know your duty, and I think you now all understand the position we are in—­as far as I know it.

“General Sheaffe,” he continued, turning to that officer, “I am much concerned as to the fate of this town, Niagara, if its namesake fort on the other side of the river should be tempted to forget the rules of war and bombard the private buildings here with hot-shot.  However, we will do our best to give the invaders, when they do come, a warm reception.  There are two things, Major,” looking towards Evans, his brigade-major and intimate friend, “that our men must not omit to observe, namely, to ‘trust God and keep their powder dry,’ a most necessary precaution if these storms continue.”

* * * * *

It is worthy of note that while Brock was in conference with his staff, expecting invasion any day, General Van Rensselaer, at Lewiston, was writing the subjoined brief historical despatch to his brigadier-general, Smythe: 

     “Sir,—­To-night, October 12th, I shall attack the enemy’s batteries
     on the Heights of Queenston.”

* * * * *

The weather was tempestuous.  Rain clouds shrouded the Heights of Queenston in a black pall.  The wind romped and rioted in the foliage.  Brock’s estimate of the character of the enemy was a masterly one.  Van Rensselaer was about to verify our hero’s prediction.

[Illustration:  BROCK’S MIDNIGHT GALLOP]

CHAPTER XXV.