Part 3 (1/2)
”But you might get hurt.”
”I can stand that. When the bear attacked me last summer he tore pieces out of my thighs. Did I complain?”
”No, Eben, I will give you credit for pluck. As to joining us, why, I will think over that.”
”Thank you. I am sure I could be of use to you.”
CHAPTER III.
A CHILD OF NATURE.
Several weeks had pa.s.sed since Eben Pike had signified his wish to join the ranks of the Green Mountain Boys, and not once had he been summoned to take part in their drills.
”It is always the same,” he murmured; ”they think me too girlish for men's work. I will show them yet that I can be of use.”
Every day he wandered through the country, and even crossed into New York Colony, hoping to find out if any attempt was to be made to carry out the decision of the courts.
One bright day in May he reached Eagle Bridge, as the point is still called, when he saw a number of men carrying muskets half concealed, and walking toward the mountains.
He kept up with them, eager to know where they were going and what was their errand.
They sat down under some trees to eat their mid-day meal, and Eben crept close to them.
”We'll bag the two to-day, just see if we don't,” said one of the men.
”Zounds! I'd give a crown to have Ethan Allen in a line with my musket.”
”You are more likely to look down the barrel of his,” retorted another, laughing.
”We'll surprise him. You see, the governor has waited until the Green Mountain Boys, as they call themselves, got tired, and then he sends us; 'cause why? There isn't another sheriff in the colony as could bag a fellow like that same Allen.”
”Do you know the way to his farm?”
”Yes, every turn in the road. We shall reach there soon after sunset, and then I'll walk right up to him, and say: 'In the name of the king, surrender!' and he will be so surprised that he will almost drop dead with fright.”
”But suppose he is not alone?”
”He will be; at least, there will only be the young boys, and they will not fight.”
”He will not expect us.”
”No; and, seeing so many, all armed, he will surrender at once. Then we go to Seth Warner's place, and he might show fight, for there are two others live with him, but we will silence him by keeping Allen in the front rank, so that, if he shoots, he has to kill the leader first.
Ha, ha, ha! It will be as good as play-acting, and the fun will be something to talk about as long as we live.”
”Aren't you afraid to leave this wallet on the gra.s.s?” asked one of the men.
”I shouldn't forget it, for in that wallet is the order to eject and capture one Ethan Allen, a rebel and traitor.”
Every word was heard by Eben Pike.