ambitious La Salle and Father Hennepin had passed in 1679--and grated on
the gravel beach at Amherstburg, Brock was greeted with a volley of
musketry by the Indians. This was contrary to his rigid rubric of war.
Such waste of powder must not be tolerated. He turned to the Indian
superintendent, "Do pray, Colonel Elliott," said he, "explain my reasons
for objecting to the firing and tell the Chiefs I will talk with them
to-morrow."

[Illustration: OUR HERO MEETS TECUMSEH. "THIS IS A MAN!"]




CHAPTER XVII.

OUR HERO MEETS TECUMSEH.


A few minutes only had elapsed when Elliott returned. The sentry's
challenge caused Brock to look up from the table, littered with plans
and despatches. Another figure darkened the doorway.

"This, sir," said Elliott, "is Tecumseh, the Shawanese chief of whom you
have heard, and who desires to be presented to you."

The General, who had removed the stains of travel and was in uniform,
rose to his full height, bowed, extended his hand and explained in manly
fashion the reason for asking that the firing be stopped. The contrast
presented by the two men was striking. The old world and the new, face
to face--a scene for the brush of an impressionist. Brock, tall, fair,