“Come in here, Isaac Rice. Can it be it was you who fired those shots?”

The raw recruit came forward almost timidly, and Corporal ’Lige, shifting the three muskets he had taken possession of over on to his left arm, seized the boy by the hand.

“I’ve done a good bit of soldierin’ in my day, lad; seen surprises, an’ ambushes, an’ attacks of a similar kind without number; but never did I know of anything that was done with more neatness an’ dispatch than this same job of yours, which has saved my neck from bein’ stretched. I’m proud of you, lad!”

Isaac was overwhelmed by this praise, yet not to such an extent but that there was a 58 great fear in his mind lest he had taken a human life, and he asked anxiously:

“Do you suppose I hurt either of them seriously, Corporal ’Lige?” and he pointed to where the wounded men lay.

“It is to be hoped you killed ’em both, so that we may be spared any further trouble with the vermin,” and not until then did the corporal condescend to give any attention to those enemies who had been so sadly worsted by a boy.

Just at this moment the wounded Tories suffered more in mind than in body, for they now understood who had made the attack upon them, and it can readily be fancied that both were ashamed at having been thus defeated in their purpose by one whom they had considered of so little importance that no effort was made to deprive him of his liberty when they surprised the encampment.

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It was with the most intense relief that young Rice heard the corporal’s report, which was to the effect that he who had acted as leader of the party had a severe but apparently not exceedingly dangerous wound in the shoulder, while his comrade was suffering from a bullet-hole in the leg.

“They’re disabled, lad, but not killed, an’ the first bit of soldierin’ that you have been called on to do is like to give great credit with such as Colonel Allen and Colonel Easton. Tell me how you happened to think of overcoming them in this shape?”

“I didn’t think of it,” the boy replied. “It seemed to me you were like to be hanged and I only did what was in my power.”

“I came nigher to havin’ my neck stretched than ever before, an’ as it was, the villainous Tories pulled mighty hard on that rope, before you effected the rescue; but, lad, you 60 must have thought! This attack you made in such a soldierly fashion wasn’t the result of chance, an’ that I’ll go bail.”

It was useless to make any attempt at convincing Corporal ’Lige of what was only the truth.

The old man was so determined to look upon the rescue as a soldierly act that he would not accept any other explanation, and the boy ceased his fruitless efforts by asking:

“What is to be done with these two Tories?”

“I reckon they must be got back to camp, although it would be no more than servin’ ’em right if we put an end to their miserable lives without further parley.”

“Oh, you wouldn’t kill them in cold blood, Corporal ’Lige?” Isaac cried in alarm.

“No; I don’t reckon I would, though that’s what ought to be done with ’em. It’s plain 61 you an’ I can’t lug the two a matter of a mile or more, so one must stand guard over ’em while the other goes back to the camp. I’m leavin’ it to you to say which service you’ll perform, for after this night’s work I’m willin’ to admit that my recruit has in him the makin’s of a better soldier than I can ever hope to be.”

The boy gave no heed to this praise at the time, although later he remembered the words with pleasure.

Now there was in his mind a fear lest the corporal should desire him to guard the prisoners, and, the more imminent danger over, he was growing exceedingly timorous.

“I’ll go back to the encampment if it so please you, Corporal ’Lige, because I can run faster than you.”

“As you will, lad, as you will. Explain to Colonel Ethan Allen what has happened here 62 and let him say how these venomous snakes are to be treated.”

During this conversation neither of the wounded men had spoken; but now, as the boy was about to set out for the encampment, he who had evidently acted as the leader cried sharply:

“Hold on a bit! What is the sense of sending us into your camp when we are like to die? Why not give us a show for our lives?”

“In what way?” Corporal ’Lige asked sternly.

“By allowing us to go to our homes.”

“That will do,” the old soldier said angrily. “After your attempt to kill me I’m not such a simple as to let you go scot free. Get you gone, lad, and make the report to Colonel Allen as soon as may be.”

The wounded Tory continued to plead with 63 the corporal; but Isaac did not wait to hear anything more.

He set out at full speed down the road in the direction where the troops were encamped, running at his best pace, and fearing each instant lest that Tory who had made his escape should suddenly come upon him.

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CHAPTER IV. THE LETTER.

When Isaac was come within hailing distance of the few sentinels who had been posted to guard against a surprise, he was astonished at being halted after having announced who he was, and the laxness of military discipline can be understood when it is said that, after being recognized by the recruit at that particular post, the boy was allowed to enter the encampment without further question.

Colonel Allen was not better lodged than his men. A lean-to formed of a few boughs was the only shelter he had, and Isaac was forced to search among the sleeping soldiers 65 several moments before discovering the whereabouts of the commander.

Once this had been done it was but the work of a few seconds to acquaint the officer with what had occurred, and at this evidence that the Tories were dogging the little army, more than one recruit who had boasted the loudest as to what he would do when the time for fighting should come, turned suspiciously pale as he approached to hear all Isaac was saying.

“Why did Corporal Watkins camp by himself?” Colonel Allen asked when the boy concluded his report.

“Because some of the men poke fun at him, allowin’ that he’s too old to be of service, an’ far too crochety to make any fist at bein’ a soldier,” Isaac replied promptly.

“I wish from the bottom of my heart that I had one hundred men like him, rather than 66 some of the braggarts who do not know there is such a work as the manual of arms,” the colonel said in a loud voice, as if desirous that all should hear. “Tell the corporal that he will camp with this force in the future, and I shall make it my especial business to learn who it is that dares make matters uncomfortable for him.”

Then, to the captain of the company to which Corporal ’Lige was attached, an order was given that a squad of men be sent forward to bring in the prisoners, and when this had been obeyed the old soldier, as a matter of course, returned with them.

From that night Isaac heard nothing more regarding the wounded Tories. It was said they had been sent back to Pittsfield under a strong guard, and certain it is they disappeared from the encampment before daybreak, but neither the boy nor the corporal 67 could find a single man who had seen them depart.

This incident, and it was hardly to be spoken of as anything of importance, together with Colonel Allen’s remark, served to render Corporal ’Lige’s life more pleasant, for those who had used him as the butt of their mirth began to understand that he was superior to themselves, in a soldierly way, and more than one sought his advice on various occasions.

At sunset on the seventh day of May the raw recruits had arrived at Castleton, fourteen miles east of Skenesborough, and Isaac himself has given the details of that straggling march through the country, in the first letter written to his mother after setting out as a soldier:

“May the Eighth, 1775.

“My Dear Mother, Father, and Children:

“We have been camping here in this 68 thicket since last night, and if there is anybody in all the company more tired of soldiering than I am, I would like to meet him. I wore a hole in the heel of my stocking on the second day, and got such a blister because of it that I’ve been obliged to go barefoot ever since.

“We have had plenty to eat, for the folks along the road were most kind; but it’s sleeping that has been the worst on me, though the corporal says I never can hope to be a soldier till I’m able to lay down in three or four inches of water and get as much rest as I would at home in bed. I tell him I don’t hope to be one any more, for I’ve had about enough of it, though of course I shall stick by the company till we’ve taken the fort, and it’s pretty certain we shall do that, because now there are two hundred and seventy men in the ranks.

“Colonel Easton enlisted thirty-nine of his militia before we got to Bennington, and 69 there we were joined by the Green Mountain Boys under the command of Colonel Ethan Allen.

“It surprised me to find that a good many of the people don’t believe we are doing right in trying to take away the fort from the king’s troops, and the corporal says that unless this thing is a success we are all like to be hanged for traitors, because his majesty will make an example of them who are foremost in the work—which means us.

“Two hours after we halted last night Colonel Benedict Arnold, who is said to have gone from New Haven as captain of a company, to Cambridge, arrived here with a few men and a large amount—so it seems to me—of military supplies.

“Although knowing that Colonel Allen is in charge of this force, he claimed the right to take command, and, so the corporal says, made display of a commission signed by the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, declaring 70 that it entitled him to take charge of all the troops. Now, although I’m not a soldier—the corporal says I never will be—I’ve got sense enough to understand that if I enlisted under Colonel Easton, and was willing he should give way to Colonel Allen so we might have the Green Mountain Boys with us, the Massachusetts Committee of Safety have got nothing to do with saying who shall lead in the battle—though I hope to goodness we shan’t see one.

“The corporal says that no committee is going to scare Ethan Allen, and it’s certain, so those of the Green Mountain Boys with whom I’ve talked say, that this stranger won’t get himself into command of the company, even though, as is said, he brings one hundred pounds in money, two hundred pounds’ weight of gunpowder, the same of leaden balls, and one thousand flints, to carry all of which, and himself, he has ten horses.

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“Now, the corporal claims that these things, including the money, are munitions of war, and that if Colonel Arnold doesn’t deliver them over to Colonel Allen, they will be taken from him, and he, Corporal ’Lige, I mean, went early this morning to Master Phelps, offering to see to it that this property was delivered up to us; but for some reason or other—neither the corporal nor I can understand what—his offer was not accepted.

“I have heard it said, and the corporal is of the opinion it is true, that when the council of war was held last night before this gentleman from New Haven arrived, Colonel Allen was chosen commander of the whole expedition, Colonel Easton second in command, and Seth Warner third. It was decided that the greater number of us, with the principal officers, would march from here to Shoreham—which you know is opposite Ticonderoga—and Captain Herrick with thirty men would at the same time go to Skenesborough to 72 capture young Major Skene, whose father, the governor, is now in England; seize all the boats they can find, and join us at Shoreham. Captain Douglas is to go to Panton with a small troop, and get whatever craft is in the water roundabout. The corporal says he shall be quite well satisfied with this arrangement, providing the remainder of the plan is mapped out as he thinks right.

“However, nobody seems to know whether Colonel Arnold will manage to get his commission from the Massachusetts Committee of Safety recognized as good and sufficient authority for him to lord it over our people, and we ask each other what will become of his munitions of war in case he doesn’t, or how may the plans be changed if he does?”

“What I can’t understand in this whole business is why the corporal shouldn’t be the third officer in command, instead of Master Warner, who I have no doubt is a very worthy gentleman; but of course cannot 73 claim to be any such soldier as Corporal ’Lige. He says there’s always a lot of jealousy among officers in the army, and that’s why he isn’t to be given a chance to show how much he can do.”

“The food I brought from home was used up the second day—the corporal had what he called a ‘coming appetite’—and perhaps it was just as well, for I had all the load any fellow could want to carry. I never believed before leaving home that father’s musket was so heavy; I held it over my shoulder until it seemed as if the flesh was worn right down to the bone; then lugged it in my hand till my arm ached as if it was going to drop off, and I verily believe I would have thrown the thing away but that Corporal ’Lige said a soldier didn’t amount to very much unless he had a weapon of some kind.”

“The corporal says I am to give you his dutiful compliments, and to say that if his 74 life is spared, by the blessing of God, he will capture Ticonderoga before we come back.

“As for me, I wish I was at home now, though it will be a fine thing if we do what the old man says is our duty in these times, without being hanged.

“I haven’t yet found out why people think there is so much honor to be gained in being a soldier. To my mind it’s much like any other way of running around the country; but the corporal says if he had the management of affairs things would be different, because he’d keep the men right up to their work, though I don’t see how it could well be done. For my part, I shouldn’t carry a musket over my shoulder when I was lame and tired just because any man said so. It would be as well whatever fashion I lugged it, providing the labor was lessened; but the corporal says it would make all the difference in the world if we marched the same as we would at a muster.

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“I love you all very much, and shall be precious glad to find myself at home again.

“From your obedient and dutiful son,

“Isaac Rice.”

In this letter the young recruit, who although having enjoyed the teachings of Corporal ’Lige, was certainly not a soldier at heart, has told the main facts in the case regarding the halt of the militia at Castleton; but it will be observed that his modesty was too great to permit of his mentioning the brave part he played in the rescue of Corporal ’Lige from the Tories.

He has failed, however, most probably through ignorance, in giving Colonel Arnold’s authority for claiming his right to lead the expedition.

That officer had brought to Cambridge from New Haven a company of which he was 76 the captain, and upon arriving there at once reported to the Massachusetts Committee of Safety that it would be possible, before the forts had been reinforced, to seize the works at Ticonderoga and Crown Point with a comparatively small body of men.

He proceeded to organize an expedition for such a purpose, and to this end was supplied with the money and munitions of war mentioned by Isaac, together with a colonel’s commission, which gave him the chief command of troops, not exceeding four hundred in number, which he might raise to accompany him against the lake fortresses.

Upon arriving at Stockbridge, in the province of Massachusetts, he learned that another expedition had set out—that is to say the same one Corporal ’Lige and Isaac accompanied—and after engaging officers and men to the number of fourteen he hastened 77 onward, overtaking the militia as Isaac has said.

In this camp where military discipline was conspicuous by its absence, the recruits, who had learned within the hour what had been decided upon the night previous by the council of war, soon ascertained the position which the officer from New Haven claimed, and knew exactly what he proposed to do by virtue of his commission.

Even though the men had not learned such facts from their officers, those recruits who accompanied Colonel Arnold would have at once made the matter public.

At about the time Isaac finished the letter to his mother the encampment was in a state bordering on insubordination.

Colonel Arnold’s recruits raised in Stockbridge insisted that their leader should command the forces, not only because he was 78 authorized to do so, but owing to the fact that he had the money and ammunition necessary to carry out the plan, while the members of Colonel Allen’s regiment, known as the Green Mountain Boys were equally determined that such honor as might be gained should be their colonel’s, and in a brief space of time these new-fledged patriots were ripe for riot.

Now was come the hour when Corporal ’Lige had shown him some portion of that consideration which he believed due his experience in military affairs.

Those members of Colonel Easton’s militia regiment which had joined the expedition, jealous because their leader had given way to Colonel Allen, now demanded loudly and publicly that he must lead the party or they would turn back.

Inasmuch, however, as this portion of the 79 troops amounted to fifty or thereabouts, they had a small showing when the Green Mountain boys, who were more than two hundred strong, came forth in turn with their threats.

Colonel Allen was to be retained first in command, as had been decided upon the previous evening, or they should march back to Bennington without an hour’s delay.

On the other hand, the men from Stockbridge insisted that Colonel Arnold was the lawful commander because he was the only one who held a commission for such purpose, and threatened that neither money nor munitions of war should be given up unless his claims were fully recognized.

On this morning of the eighth of May the men were divided into three divisions according to their opinions, and it seemed much as if the officers were willing they should settle it without interference, for 80 those highest in command remained in council among themselves, giving no heed to the threats which were uttered here and there until it seemed positive personal encounters must soon take the place of words.

The men from round about Pittsfield, recognizing the need of a leader in what might properly be termed a mutiny, selected Corporal ’Lige as if by common consent, and Isaac had but just written his mother’s name on the missive which had cost him so much labor, when he and the corporal were surrounded by the faction to which belonged their neighbors and friends.

One of these, a butcher, whose home was in Pittsfield, thus addressed the old man, using at the beginning of his remark just that compliment best calculated to please him.

“You, who have had so much experience 81 in military affairs, Corporal ’Lige, should be able to settle this matter without any great loss of time, for according to my way of thinking it must be arranged among the men themselves, or not at all.”

“I have seen plenty of fightin’,” the corporal began slowly, as if undecided what words had best be used; “but it was in the king’s army, as you well know, and there every one in command held their commission from his majesty, which plainly said he was to be the leader. Now it seems in this ’ere case that the only officer who has any real authority is the one from New Haven——”

A chorus of derisive howls interrupted the old man, and not a few of his neighbors accused him of being a traitor because he was apparently on the point of giving his decision in favor of the stranger.

Waiting patiently until they had exhausted 82 their anger, and were silent once more, he continued placidly:

“As I said before it seems to me the only one with any show of authority is the officer from New Haven; but,” and Corporal ’Lige emphasized this word, “but what do you know of this ’ere Massachusetts Committee of Safety? Accordin’ to my way of figurin’, that body of men are lookin’ out for matters round about Boston, and we’ve got with us recruits all the way from Pittsfield up to Bennington, none of whom are given overmuch to heedin’ what the Boston folks think is right or wrong. Therefore I say, that while the officer from New Haven seems to have the only real authority, it strikes me that his commission does not extend as far as this ’ere spot, where we are encamped.”

Again he was interrupted; but this time by cries expressive of satisfaction and good will.

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“We were the ones who started the idea of taking the fort,” a recruit from Pittsfield cried, “and that being the case I hold we’ve got the right to say who shall lead us.”

“But the Green Mountain Boys won’t go except their colonel is in command,” another added, and a third cried:

“The men of Stockbridge will hold to Colonel Arnold, and won’t go on under another.”

“Well, I’ve heard all that before,” Corporal ’Lige said in a tone of fine irony. “If you have come to me to repeat the same story that has been goin’ ’round the encampment since daybreak, why then you are wastin’ your time. If you want my opinion so that this thing can be put right in short order, hold your tongues, an’ I’ll give it.”

“Let Corporal ’Lige finish.”

“He is soldier enough to know what should be done.”

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“Go on, corporal, go on.”

This evidence of popularity was most pleasing to the old man, and smiling benignantly upon those nearest, he said, with the air of one who cannot be in the wrong:

“This is how it must be done: Let them as come with Colonel Easton, stick to him; the Green Mountain Boys shall hang to the tail of Colonel Allen’s coat, and the Stockbridge men may follow Colonel Arnold. That makes three bands of us. Now, mark you, lads, there are three sides to that ’ere fort—one apiece. Let us meet here at whatever hour you will, and then start on the minute, each troop taking a different course, an’ them who arrive first an’ capture the fortification, gets the credit.”

“But we are needing what Colonel Arnold brought with him,” someone cried.

“Ay, and you would have heard me fix that 85 if you’d waited. Where did this ’ere Massachusetts Committee of Safety get these munitions of war an’ this money? Why, they got it out of the province, of course. And where did we come from? Why, we come from the province of Massachusetts, of course. Then who does this money and these munitions of war belong to? Why, they belong to us, of course. Now, as near as I have heard, there are only fourteen following Colonel Arnold. How long will it take us to lay our hands on all that stuff? Then I guarantee that Colonel Easton—for if he wants me to do it I’ll help him in conducting the campaign—will march straight through an’ take Ticonderoga before you’ve had time to say Jack Robinson. Never mind what the Green-Mountain Boys do, an’ as for the Stockbridge men, they ain’t enough for the countin’.”

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The advice which Corporal ’Lige had given met with the unqualified approval of all whom he addressed, and instantly shouts were raised in his honor until those recruits who were not in the secret looked about them in alarm and dismay as if fearing an attack.

Isaac was frightened, of that there could be no mistake.

It seemed to him as if an immediate and unquestionably dangerous encounter could not be prevented, for already were the men hanging about Corporal ’Lige in a dense body as bees hang about their queen when swarming, all urging that he lead them on to wrest from the Stockbridge men the property which he had proven did not belong to them.

Isaac glanced this way and then as if trying to determine in which direction it would 87 be safest to flee, but at this moment his eyes fell upon a lad of about his own age, who had come in from the highway and was staring about him in perplexity.

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CHAPTER V. NATHAN BEMAN.

In his fear and trouble it seemed to Isaac as if this stranger might render him some valuable assistance.

It was as if he stood alone amid the recruits, now that Corporal ’Lige had been claimed, so to speak, as leader of the Pittsfield faction, and the lad needed some one to whom he could appeal for advice.

Therefore it was that while the new-comer was staring about him as if distracted by the tumult, Isaac approached in the most friendly manner as he asked:

“Are you a recruit?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Do you belong to the soldiers here?”

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“Do you call these soldiers?” the stranger asked almost contemptuously.

“Well, if they ain’t, what do you call them?”

“They look to me like a crowd of folks what was goin’ to have a fight pretty soon.”

“That’s jest what I’m afraid of. Say, do you live near here?”

“No, I came from Shoreham. We heard there was a crowd comin’ to take Fort Ticonderoga, an’ seein’s how they didn’t get along very fast, I thought I’d come an’ hunt ’em up. Do you count yourself a soldier?”

“I did when I left Pittsfield; but I’ve kind’er got over that feelin’ now. What’s your name?”

“Nathan Beman.”

“Mine’s Isaac Rice.”

“What made you come out with a crowd like this?”

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“All the folks ’round our way was enlisting, and they said it was the duty of everybody to fight against the king. Besides that the corporal was going, an’ he agreed to put me through in great shape.”

“Who’s the corporal?”

“That’s him over there with the red coat on.”

“Do you allow an old chap like him could put anybody through in very great shape?”

“You mustn’t talk like that about Corporal ’Lige where anybody will hear you. Why, he’s a regular soldier; fought under General Abercrombie in ’58, an’ I reckon if it hadn’t been for him the king’s troops would have got it terrible bad.”

“An’ that’s about the way they did get it.”

“Well, Corporal ’Lige is here now, an’ it’ll be different. Did you ever see the fort?”

“See it? Why, I’m over there pretty near 91 very week. Our folks sell eggs an’ chickens an’ such truck to the garrison, an’ I know the place jest like I do my own home.”

“Do you s’pose we can take it?”

“There seems to be a sight of you here; but I shouldn’t want to make a guess till after I’d seen whether there’s going to be a row among all hands or not. Father says when thieves fall out honest men get their due.”

However frightened Isaac might be, he was not disposed to allow any boy of his own size to call the members of this army thieves, even though they were in a state of insubordination, and forgetting all his fears he demanded sternly:

“Who are you calling thieves?”

“Now, you needn’t get so huffy, ’cause I didn’t mean anything,” Nathan replied quietly, and yet with no show of alarm; 92 “but father is always sayin’ that, an’ I s’pose it means—well I don’t know what, except that all hands of you are fightin’ here, an’ it looks like as if Captain Delaplace would get the best of it.”

“Who’s he?”

“The commandant of the fort, of course.”

“Well, see here, Nathan, it begins to look as though there was goin’ to be a row for a fact, and I hoped you lived close by so I could go to your house till it was over.”

“But you’re a soldier, ain’t you?”

“Not much of one.”

“Well, if you’ve enlisted, a fight is right where you belong,” and Nathan appeared to think this settled the matter beyond any argument.

“I ain’t so certain of that; but even if I do belong in a fight I shan’t stay in one. It seems like as if Corporal ’Lige had turned 93 me off, an’ all he’s thinking about is helping our crowd get the best of the Stockbridgers.”

“Well, there ain’t anything very dangerous here yet awhile; suppose we wait an’ see how things turn? I don’t care overmuch for fightin’ myself; but that’s no reason why I shouldn’t want to know whether there’s likely to be a row or not.”

Isaac admired the courage of his new acquaintance and immediately adopted him as a protector, taking up his position a pace or two in the rear of Nathan as he watched the threatening movements.

The recruits from Pittsfield and vicinity were standing in close order with the corporal at their head, evidently ready for whatever turn might come in affairs.

Some of them retained their weapons; but the majority appeared to have more confidence in their fists, and with arms bared to 94 the elbow were awaiting the word which would precipitate them upon the small body from Stockbridge who guarded the treasure.

This last detachment had either learned of the advice given by Corporal ’Lige, or scented danger because they were so few in numbers as compared with the other two factions, and were standing shoulder to shoulder ready to resist an expected attack.

A short distance away the Green-Mountain Boys remained strictly by themselves; but not giving any sign of taking part in the lawless proceedings. So long as Ethan Allen was considered the head of the expedition they were satisfied to stand aloof from any brawl.

As has been said before, the leading officers were nowhere to be seen; some of the better informed declared they were in the shelter near by which had been used as 95 their quarters during the night, and with Colonel Arnold were discussing the question of superiority in rank.

Corporal ’Lige hesitated to give the word which should precipitate the riot.

He had been elevated to the position of leader and perhaps the responsibility weighed heavily upon him, for certain it is that after advising what should be done, he evinced a disposition to retire from what might be the scene of a conflict.

“Look here, old man, we’re ready to do as you have said. Now give the word and lead us on to those recruits. We’ll soon find out what they’re made of,” one of the men said as the corporal turned toward the rear much as though intending to join Isaac and Nathan:

“Yes, give the word. This is your plan, and we’re ready to carry it out as you have said!”

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“Fair an’ easy; fair an’ easy, comrades,” Corporal ’Lige said soothingly. “A good general doesn’t depend wholly on his plan until he’s made certain of the enemy’s position. You don’t allow that we can rush in hilter-skilter an’ hope to work our purpose, eh?”

“Why not? There are only a dozen of them to near fifty of us.”

“But look at Colonel Allen’s regiment.”

“Well, what of them? They are not in this quarrel, for their commander is leader of the expedition so far.”

“No, they are not in it,” the corporal said; “but what assurance have we they won’t take a hand as soon as we begin operations? Don’t you allow they know what the Stockbridge men brought with them?”

“Why, everybody in camp knows that.”

“Then do you suppose they’re goin’ to 97 stand by idly while we take the money and munitions?”

The men began to murmur among themselves, and Corporal ’Lige appeared well satisfied that they should thus consume the time; but before many minutes had passed one and another spoke derisively of the old man, asking what his plan was good for if he didn’t dare carry it out, or why he had not made mention of what Colonel Allen’s men might do in event of his suggestion being acted upon?

At first the corporal was not minded to take heed of these disparaging remarks; but as the clamor increased he was forced to defend himself, and made answer sharply:

“The plan was good, and the only one likely to succeed. When I got that far with it you jumped to the idea that it should be worked out at once. Now all the while I 98 was keeping my eye fixed on Colonel Allen’s men, tryin’ to make up my mind what they’d do when we struck the first blow, and I haven’t decided yet.”

“You’re a coward! You claimed to be an old soldier, and to know more of warfare than any one in this encampment, not excepting the commanders, but yet you don’t dare lead fifty men against a dozen!”

“If I don’t dare it isn’t because I’m afraid of bodily injury; but I can’t afford to stake my reputation as a soldier where the chances are likely to be so heavy against us. It’s one thing to have a good plan, an’ just as important to know when to carry it out. If we hang together an’ are ready to take advantage of the first opportunity that comes, then we’ll be showing our strength; but not by rushing in hilter-skilter like a crowd of boys primed for a rough-an’-tumble fight.”

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Corporal ’Lige’s argument was evidently considered a good one, for at once the outcries which had been raised against him died away, the men yet remaining in position as if ready to act upon any suggestion he might make.

“I don’t reckon there’s goin’ to be much trouble ’round here after all,” Nathan said in a tone of disappointment, and Isaac gave vent to a sigh of relief. “It strikes me that old man crawled out of a pretty small hole.”

“Do you mean to say he wouldn’t dare do what the men wanted?”

“Well, he would be a pretty poor stick if he didn’t. There’s four of this crowd to one of that. What I allow is he’s afraid of the officers, and if this is any kind of a military company he’s got good cause to be, accordin’ to the way things run up to the fort. There you wouldn’t hear privates tellin’ who 100 should command ’em, an’ who shouldn’t, else they’d find themselves in trouble.”

At this moment a great shout went up from the Green-Mountain Boys, and as the two factions who had stood facing each other ready for the encounter glanced around quickly, they saw Colonel Ethan Allen approaching.

Then the Stockbridge men set up a shout, for Colonel Arnold stepped to Allen’s side as if of equal rank, and the Pittsfield detachment remained silent, because Colonel Easton was walking in the rear of these two officers.

“It looks as if our colonel had given in, an’ wasn’t countin’ on standin’ up for his own rights,” Corporal ’Lige said mournfully. “Let one of you run over there an’ tell him what we’re ready to do. Say we’ll begin the scrimmage as soon as he gives the word.”

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This order was obeyed, and the little troop watched the messenger as he approached the colonel, and, without so much as touching his cap by way of salute, spoke earnestly during a few seconds.

Then Colonel Easton was seen to shake his head decidedly, and the man returned to his fellows looking thoroughly ashamed.

“What’s the matter?” Corporal ’Lige asked sharply.

“He says if we had any idea of our duties as soldiers we should be less ready to advise and more eager to obey.”

“There’s a good deal of sense in that,” the corporal said thoughtfully; “but at the same time I claim matters are in such shape that we’re justified in making the proposition. When a body of men have got a commander what won’t stand up for himself, it’s time the rank and file took the matter in hand.”

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“Is that what you call good soldiering?” Nathan Beman asked shrilly, and Isaac clutched his new friend by the arm frantically for it alarmed him that any one should dare ask such a bold question of the corporal.

The old man turned around angrily; opened his mouth as if to speak, and then, repenting of his purpose, faced the on-coming officers once more, much as if to say that such a question from such a questioner was not worthy of regard.

The group of officers advanced until they were standing at equal distances from each of the three factions, and Colonel Allen said, speaking slowly and distinctly, looking at the forces from Stockbridge and Pittsfield:

“It is no secret that you men are disgruntled because I have been chosen commander of the expedition. You are enlisted as militia from the province of Massachusetts 103 and as enroled men have no voice in choosing a commander. Therefore I propose to make no explanation of the matter; but have taken this opportunity to address you in order to say that, by the advice and with the consent of the others in command, those of you who cannot obey such orders as may be given regardless of who is the leader, had best return home from this point. It shall not be counted against you as deserters, for the names of those who are unwilling to serve cheerfully will be stricken quietly from the rolls, without any mention whatever, dishonorable or otherwise. Colonel Arnold presents himself with due authority from the province of Massachusetts to take command of any troops not exceeding four hundred which may be raised for the purpose of attacking Fort Ticonderoga. Under all the circumstances he has 104 decided to wave his claim of rank and act as volunteer until the purpose for which we have advanced be accomplished. Now, then, those of you who cannot obey my orders, step to the right.”

The Green-Mountain Boys began to raise shouts of approval, but their colonel checked them by saying sternly:

“Silence in the ranks! Let no man dare give voice to his approval or disapproval of what may occur in this encampment!”

It was as if Colonel Easton believed some of his men might take advantage of the opportunity, and stepping quickly to the side of Allen, he said:

“Lads, when the question came up last night as to who should lead this expedition, I cast the first vote for Colonel Allen. He is a soldier of much experience and great ability. It is my earnest desire that he take 105 upon himself the responsibility of directing our movements, and whatsoever he orders shall be performed by me faithfully and promptly.”

Colonel Arnold made no attempt to address his men, and the three officers stood in silence several moments, after which Allen said:

“Because none of you have signified your desire to be relieved from the enlistment, we will suppose all are willing to go forward, and from now out there can be no excuse for insubordination or hesitation.”

This said, the officers withdrew once more, and now that their colonel was no longer there to check them the Green Mountain Boys set up a shout of triumph, which was answered by derisive yells from Corporal ’Lige’s troop, and apparent indifference by the men from Stockbridge.

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“I reckon I may as well go home now,” Nathan said in a low tone to Isaac. “There don’t seem to be any chance of a row because the men are going to give in easy enough; but I’d like to see ’em find their way into the fort. It ain’t so easy as they’re countin’ on.”

“Who is this boy, Isaac?” Corporal ’Lige asked as he stepped toward the lads, apparently glad of an opportunity to disengage himself from those who had shown they were ready to obey his commands.

Isaac gave such explanation as was within his power, and the old man asked, addressing Nathan:

“What do you know about Fort Ticonderoga?”

The boy made reply much as he had to Isaac, and the corporal questioned him sharply:

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“Have you been allowed to roam over the fortification at will?”

“There was no reason why I shouldn’t. I know all the boys who live in the fort, an’ after I finished what I went for, who’d stop us from goin’ ’round?”

“How many soldiers are there in the place?”

“Somewhere about fifty, I should think.”

“Women and children?”

“Yes, ’most twice as many, I reckon, though I never counted ’em.”

“And you say you know all the ins and outs of the fort?”

“Look here, how many times do you want me to tell you? Of course I do; but what’s that got to do with you?”

Nathan spoke in such a disrespectful tone that Isaac literally trembled lest the corporal should fall upon him in his wrath.

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“Wait you here till I come back, an’ see to it that you don’t move from this spot.”

The corporal gave this command in his sternest tones, and without waiting for a reply hastened off in the direction where the officers had disappeared, while Nathan stood looking at his new acquaintance in mingled surprise and bewilderment.

“Now, what does that old man mean when he tells me to wait here? What right’s he got to order me ’round?”

“Don’t get disgruntled,” Isaac said imploringly. “I tell you he’s a great soldier, and you’ll see that his order means something, ’cause the corporal don’t make foolish talk.”

“Then, what was it I heard when I come up here an’ he was tellin’ the men what to do, but backed down after findin’ they were ready to follow him?”

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“That part of it was all right. The time hadn’t come for him to carry out his plans, and he explained it. Couldn’t you hear him?”

“I heard what he said; but that didn’t deceive me.”

Then Isaac explained with many a detail why the old man was the ablest soldier in the encampment, and while he was trying to convince the skeptical Nathan, Corporal ’Lige returned, looking very important and mysterious.

“You’re to come with me,” he said tapping Nathan on the shoulder.

“Where?” the boy asked sharply.

“I said you were to come with me.”

“Well, you may say it again before I go. I want to know what you’re thinkin’ of doin’. I ain’t one of these make-believe soldiers that can be ordered ’round by such as you.”

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During an instant the corporal glowered at the boy as if of a mind to chastise him for his too familiar words, and then Isaac interposed to save his new-found friend from what he feared would be most severe punishment.

“He’ll go with you, Corporal ’Lige; don’t be angry with him. You see he’s a stranger here, an’ doesn’t understand what——”

“I understand enough not to go till I know what he’s about,” Nathan cried angrily, wrenching himself free from Isaac’s detaining grasp and leaping back a few paces.

The corporal clapped his hand to his side as if to raise a sword, and then realizing that he had no such weapon, said in a remarkably conciliatory tone:

“I told Colonel Allen that you were well acquainted with the interior of the fort, and he would speak with you a few moments.”

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“Well, if you’d said that in the first place I would have been willing; but when you jumped down on me as if I was one of these recruits, I wasn’t goin’ to stand it.”

“If you are willin’ to come, follow me.”

“Am I to go with you?” Isaac asked pleadingly, and the corporal hesitated an instant before replying:

“Yes, lad, I don’t reckon it’ll do any harm, and it may give you an insight into the way we manage military affairs.”

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CHAPTER VI. A SQUAD OF FOUR.

Isaac was in high glee at thus being permitted to visit headquarters, for even though he went there only by permission of Corporal ’Lige and not because his presence was desired, it seemed to him that it was in a certain degree a recognition of the possible fact that he was really a soldier.

Nathan Beman, however, did not appear to think there was any compliment in the invitation. Naturally of a suspicious nature, he fancied in some way this visit might work to his harm, and, in addition, he was displeased by the air of superiority which was observable in the corporal when he addressed any remark to the lad.

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The old soldier walked several paces in advance of the boys, and did not appear to think it necessary he should look around to see if they were following, for in his mind a request to visit headquarters was the same as an imperative command, and one which no sane person would venture to disobey.

“I suppose he thinks he can tow me ’round wherever he likes, and I’ve got a mind to show him he can’t,” Nathan said to Isaac, motioning with his thumb toward the corporal.

“It’s Colonel Allen who wants to see you,” Isaac ventured to suggest timidly.

“How do you know?”

“Why Corporal ’Lige said so.”

“I ain’t certain that makes it true, ’cause he’s said a good many things that don’t amount to much since I’ve been around this place.”

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“But the corporal wouldn’t lie,” Isaac said solemnly, and Nathan added with a peculiar smile: