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.

The papers of surrender signed, Brock hastened to liberate Dean, a
soldier of the 41st, wounded and taken prisoner at the Canard river,
with another man, while gallantly defending the bridge against a large
body of the enemy. In a voice broken with emotion Brock told him that he
had "nobly upheld the traditions of the service and was an honour to his
profession." Then he singled out Lieutenant Roulette, of the sloop
_Hunter_, a French Canadian, who captured eighteen prizes during the war
and was the leading spirit in many gallant events. "I watched you during
the action," said the General. "You behaved like a lion. I will remember
you." In the orders of that afternoon Brock praised the conduct of his
troops. He laid stress upon the "discipline and determination that had
decided an enemy, infinitely more numerous in men and artillery, and
protected by a strong fortification, to propose capitulation."

The effect of the news in Upper Canada was electrical. Brock became the
idol of the people and was acclaimed "hero and saviour of Upper Canada."
His performance was a record one. In nineteen days he had met the
Legislature, settled important public business, transported a small army
300 miles, 200 of which was by open boat in stormy waters, compelled th