k
and rely on the best man.

The news that he brought in many different forms was that the British
were again concentrating an army to strike at Plattsburg and Albany.

Izard on the land at Plattsburg and Champlain, and Macomb at Burlington
strained all their resources to meet the invader at fair terms. Izard
had 4000 men assembled, when an extraordinary and devastating order from
Washington compelled him to abandon the battle front at Champlain and
lead his troops to Sackett's Harbour where all was peace. He protested
like a statesman, then obeyed like a soldier, leaving Macomb in command
of the land forces of Lake Champlain, with, all told, some 3400 men. On
the day that Izard left Champlain, the British troops, under Brisbane,
advanced and occupied his camp.

As soon as Rolf had seen them arrive, and had gauged their number, he
sent Quonab back to report, and later retired by night ten miles up the
road to Chazy. He was well known to many of the settlers and was
welcome where ever known, not only because he was a patriot fighting his
country's battles, but for his own sake, for he was developing into
a handsome, alert, rather silent youth. It is notorious that in the
drawing-room, given equal opportunity, the hunter has the advantage over
the farmer. He has less self-consciousness, more calm poise. He is not
troubled about what to do with his feet and hands, and is more convinced
of his native dignity and claims to respect. In the drawin-room Rolf
was a hunter: the leading inhabitants of the region around received him
gladly and honoured him. He was guest at Judge Hubbell's in Chazy, in
September of 1814. Every day he scouted in the neighbourhood and at
night returned to the hospitable home of the judge.

On the 12th of September, from the top of a tall tree on a distant
wooded hill, he estimated the force at Champlain to be 10,000 to 15,000
men. Already their bodyguard was advancing on Chazy.

Judge Hubbell and anxious neighbours hastily assembled now, discussed
with Rolf the situation and above all, "What shall we do with our
families?" One man broke into a storm of hate and vituperation against
the British. "Remember the burning of Washington and the way they
treated the women at Bladensburg."

"All of which about the women was utterly disproved, except in one
case, and in that the criminal was shot by order of his own commander,"
retorted Hubbell.

At Plattsburg others maintained that the British had harm