alled facts and
weighed conclusions. Powerful brain and vigorous frame acted in concert.
He was enjoying the fulfilment of the promise of his youth. God had been
good. The world had been tolerant; his fellow-men--at least those who
knew the real Isaac--loyally appreciative. The knowledge of his honours
and fame stirred him to his soul. Not that he was any better, or abler,
he meditated, than other men, but that when "opportunity" offered he was
permitted to grasp it.

"For every day I stand outside your door,
And bid you wake and rise to fight and win."

The influence of the great truth as pronounced in the now familiar
couplet inspired him. He recognized the source whence he derived
whatever of success had followed his efforts, and prayed for greater
sagacity, more vigour of body and tenacity of purpose, a complete
surrender of self to the task before him; that if his life was to be
the price of duty, he might place it on the altar of his country without
one shred of compunction.

* * * * *

He rang the bell for Porter--his body-servant since Dobson's
death--directed him to see that the council room was lighted, that pens,
ink, paper and cigars were in place, as a meeting of his staff was
slated for nine, and sought his sanctum.

[Illustration: POWDER MAGAZINE, FORT GEORGE, NIAGARA]

CHAPTER XXIV.

BROCK'S LAST COUNCIL.

It was long past midnight on the morning of Tuesday, October 13th, 1812,
when Brock dismissed his advisory council of staff officers. An animated
discussion had taken place over the strength of the enemy and the spot
he might select to cross the river, for ruses had been resorted to by
Van Bensselaer to deceive the British.

"I dare not, gentlemen," said our hero, in opening the debate, "weaken
my flanks at Niagara and Erie, though I realize I am leaving Queenston
not properly protected. I have just learned that General Dearborn states
that while 'Tippecanoe' Harrison invades Canada, at Detroit, with 7,000
men--I do not think it necessary I should point out Detroit on the map,"
he added with a smile--"and while a United States squadron--not a
British one, mark you--sweeps Lake Ontario from Sackett's Harbour,
Dearborn himself will threaten Montreal from Lake Champlain. While the
east and the west are thus being annexed by the enemy, our friend Van
Rensselaer is to entertain us here.

"An ordinary boat, as we all know, can be rowed across the