Part 8 (1/2)
”How learned you this?”
”Nay, should I tell you I might never learn anything more.”
”When am I to be sent for?”
”The messenger is on his way. If you do as we would like you would not go.”
”Why?”
”Because the governor will purchase peace for himself by having you hanged.”
”Hus.h.!.+ there is some one even now at the door.”
”Welcome, most worthy Talbot!” exclaimed Allen, when a.s.sistant District Attorney Talbot entered. ”What brings you so far from Concord?”
”A message to you, Ethan Allen.”
”To me?”
”Yes, from the governor.”
”A message from Gov. Wentworth is always welcome.”
”It may not be so in this case. I will explain. An application has been made for your extradition by the governor of New York.”
”Indeed! And what have I done?”
”You are charged with killing a king's officer and robbing him of certain doc.u.ments which bore the seal of the Colony of New York.”
”Of both of which crimes I am innocent.”
”And so the governor thinks, but he has commanded me to explain that it is necessary that you return with me to Concord, there to satisfy the court of your innocence.”
Ethan looked at Eben, and the youth made a sign to convey that the information he had given was correct and that treachery was intended.
”And if I decline to go?”
”You will not decline.”
”I may.”
”You must not.”
”I may do so; what then?”
”Then I shall order you into arrest.”
”And take me by force to Concord, and from thence to Albany?”