Part 10 (1/2)
Talbot told his story of how he had been received by Ethan Allen, and he did not spare the young leader.
Then came Allen's turn.
”It hath been made known to me that the Colony of New York has asked that I be sent a prisoner to Albany, there to be tried for certain crimes. Is that so?”
”It is.”
”It hath been told me that I am charged with killing a king's officer, one Sheriff Merrit. Is that so?”
”You are rightly informed.”
”Then hear me. Merrit died in New Hamps.h.i.+re, and, even if I had killed him, I claim I must be tried in my own colony and not in York.”
”You admit killing him?”
”I did not kill him. His death was an accident. There are plenty of witnesses to prove that. Then I am told I am charged with stealing doc.u.ments bearing the seal of New York. Is that so?”
”It is.”
”I can prove that when the sheriff did unlawfully enter my house at the Crossroads he had not the doc.u.ments with him, but he had seals only.
Now, your excellency, I am here to tell you that I hold my land from you, that I live in the Colony of New Hamps.h.i.+re, and that the sheriff of New York has no right to invade this colony, and if I had shot him as he entered my house I should have done right. What have you to say to that?”
Gov. Wentworth remained silent.
He knew that Allen was right.
”Do you relinquish all right to the grants?” asked Allen.
”No.”
”Then tell the governor of York to mind his own business. I have not yet finished. I am a free man, a subject of his majesty, the King of England. And, as a free man, I ask you, his representative, whether you have made a promise that I shall be surrendered to Albany?”
”I decline to answer.”
”You were to get me here by a trick, and then without trial send me to Albany, there to be hanged as a rebel and murderer. All I have done has been to protect the t.i.tle you gave me, and my own labor, and I will protect that labor as long as my arm retains its strength.”
”I am no traitor, Ethan Allen. I would have given you a fair trial.”
”You promised to surrender me.”
”I did not.”
”Yes, you did; I heard you!”
Even Ethan was surprised and startled by the voice.
Young Eben Pike had stepped close up to the governor, and was shaking his fist in his face.
”Who are you?”