it is clearly our
duty. Macdonell cannot be long. How are your men?"

"Somewhat fagged, sir," replied Dennis, "and a bit hippish. We've had a
trying time, but they are ready to follow you."

* * * * *

It has been truly said of Isaac Brock that he never allowed a thought of
self-preservation or self-interest to affect for one instant his
conception of duty. He was blind at this moment to all personal
considerations. He made no effort to shelter himself behind any
plausible excuse that would have been gratefully seized by the timid or
calculating man, or to fence with his duty. His consistency was sublime.
"His last moments were in clear keeping with his life and his belief."

"He who thinks In strife
To earn a deathless fame,
Must _do_, nor ever care for life."

The little band of heroes fell into line, while their brother hero
addressed them.

"Men of the 49th," said Brock, "and my brave volunteers, I have heard of
your work this morning, and the trying circumstances under which you
have been fighting. Now, my lads, as you know, a large body of the enemy
has stolen a march on us. They have taken our gun, it is true, but they
will find it spiked! It is our duty to re-take it. Be prepared for
slippery footing. Use every bit of shelter, but when we make the final
rush give the enemy no time to think. Pour in a volley; fire low, and
when it comes to in-fighting, use the bayonet resolutely and you have
them beaten. I know I can depend upon you.... There is a foreign flag
flying over a British gun. It must not stay there.... Don't cheer now,
men, but save your breath and follow me."

* * * * *

There was a cheer, notwithstanding.

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS.

While these fateful and stirring scenes were being enacted at Queenston,
a despatch rider arrived from Evans of Fort George. Without waiting for
further instructions, he had, after Brock's departure, with the first
glimpse of daylight, cannonaded Fort Niagara. This he did with typical
thoroughness. His fire was returned with interest. With a license in
direct opposition to the laws of battle, the enemy, under Captain
Leonard, turned his guns on the village of Newark, bombarding public
buildings and private residences with hot-shot, laying part of the town
in ashes. This infuriated Evans, and he renewed the siege with so much
vigour that he compelled