Part 17 (1/2)
He kept looking at the tall clock, which his father had brought from England many years before, and wondered whether his plot had failed.
But his face brightened when a knock at the door betokened the presence of visitors.
He opened the door himself, and Ethan Allen and Remember Baker stepped in.
”Welcome, most welcome! I would rather see you here than the king of England.”
Allen placed his finger on his lip as a hint not to speak too loudly.
Zeke laughed.
”I respect your caution; a day will come when your name will be shouted from the housetops.”
”You are too flattering, farmer.”
”Not so; but come to supper. My good wife knows how to tickle the palate of my friends, and you are my friends. Where's Zeb, mother?”
”He went out.”
”He is a bad fellow; I am sure I shall never tame him. I would he were old enough to join the----”
”Yes; what age is he?”
”Only sixteen.”
”He is old enough if he has inclination----”
”A truce to such talk; let us get some supper. By my father's memory, I smell pig's head and cabbage. Good thing, even if it is late at night. Come, friends, and we will talk after.”
Zeke led the way into the kitchen and bade his guest be seated.
Scarcely had they commenced eating when a knock at the back door caused the farmer to drop his knife.
The door opened and a man's voice was heard:
”In the king's name surrender, Ethan Allen, and you, Remember Baker!”
”Treason!” exclaimed Allen.
”Trapped!” added Baker.
”Yes, rebels, and the reward will be mine!” shouted the farmer in a joyous voice.
CHAPTER X.
ZEB'S DOUBLE DEALING.
”Scoundrel!” shouted Baker.