tion was
profound. His cherished plan, to sweep the Niagara frontier and destroy
the United States naval arsenal at Sackett's Harbour, was again
frustrated.

A diversion occurred that morning which for a time drove the
unpardonable armistice from Brock's thoughts. A heavy mist hung over the
water. It hid the shore. Deceived by this, the skipper of the
_Chippewa_, who thought he was in Fort Erie harbour, discovered, as the
fog lifted, that they were on the American side and close to Buffalo.
The situation was perilous and dramatic. With the melting of the haze
the wind dropped. Brock saw on the Buffalo shore, within easy hail, a
concourse of inquisitive people trying to make out the nationality of
his ship. Believing the skipper, was in league with the enemy, Brock
turned upon him savagely.

"You scoundrel," said he, "you have betrayed me. Let but one shot be
fired and I will run you up at the yard-arm." Fortunately, the _Queen
Charlotte_, in Canadian water, was seen and signalled, and, the wind
rising, she convoyed the _Chippewa_ and her precious passenger into
safety.

The news of the armistice dumbfounded the General. Instead of battering
Fort Niagara and attacking Sackett's Harbour, he had to order Procter to
cancel the expedition for the relief of Fort Wayne, in the Wabash
country, and himself hurry on to Fort George. At Chippewa he was
received with wild welcome by the river residents and the populace from
the countryside. A deputation of prominent men met him at Queenston,
placed him in an open carriage, and with martial music he was escorted
in triumph to Fort George. After receiving at Niagara the
congratulations of the lady to whom he was engaged, Brock took schooner
for York and Kingston. At both of these places fervid demonstrations
were showered upon him. But "Master Isaac's" head could not be turned
either by success or adulation. The old spirit of self-effacement
asserted itself. "The gallant band of brave men," he said, "at whose
head I marched against the enemy, are the proper objects of your
gratitude. The services of the militia have been duly appreciated and
will never be forgotten."

Isaac's modesty again served to increase the homage and profound
devotion of the people.

Justice Powell voiced the views of the citizens of Upper Canada when he
declared Brock could "boast of the most brilliant success, with the most
inadequate means, which history records.... It was something fabulous
that a ha