Part 39 (1/2)

”Nay, my dear Allen, do not let that irritate you. We shall soon make common cause, and instead of the colonies we shall have a nation, and we shall be citizens, not subjects.”

”Citizens!” Allen repeated.

”Yes, mark me. If the colonies become a nation there will be a free government based on equal rights, and none will be subject to another, but all be equal before the law.”

Montgomery saw more clearly into the future than did even Was.h.i.+ngton.

When the Congress was over, and Was.h.i.+ngton commenced his work of creating an army, Allen returned home, somewhat disappointed.

He had expected a commission in the new army, but his name was pa.s.sed over by Congress.

It was afterward proved that the omission was the result of inadvertence, for it was supposed that he had a commission from the general in command of the Colonials at Boston, and the order was made confirming all such commissions.

The summer was pa.s.sing, and no action had been taken.

Allen was getting weary of the delay.

He could not understand why Boston had not been taken and the English driven out. Then he heard that Benedict Arnold had received a commission, and was leading an army into Canada to attack Quebec.

In despair Allen left his home and crossed to Ticonderoga, determined to offer his services to the Connecticut captain who was in command of the little garrison.

He was sitting on a gun on the day of his arrival on the scene of his great exploit, when a boy, dirty, ragged and half starved, entered the fort and stood opposite Allen.

”Don't you know me, colonel?”

”Is that you, Eben?”

”Yes. I am Eben Pike, and right glad I am to see you.”

”How did you enter? Where have you been?”

Eben did not answer. He was too weak. His body swayed, his limbs trembled, and he would have fallen had not Allen caught him.

As gently as a mother carries her child, the hero of Ticonderoga bore the half-famished boy into the barracks and asked that he should receive attention.

The boy was undressed and washed, then little sips of beef tea were given him.

In an hour he showed signs of returning vitality, and they knew that he would live.

”He left here a month ago,” explained the captain; ”I sent him on a delicate mission, knowing that he could be trusted. When he did not return I thought him dead.”

”You knew I should be true to the cause then?” whispered Eben.

”Yes, my boy; no one would ever doubt your loyalty. You shall tell your adventures later. You must rest and get stronger.”

”But I have news I must tell. Gen. Montgomery is on his way to Ticonderoga to join Arnold in his invasion of Canada. He will be here to-morrow.”

The speech was long for him, and his flushed cheek and quivering voice told how the message had shaken his frame.