Part 46 (1/2)

The lieutenant who had been consigned to the lead was of a different nature to the sergeant of Sabrevous, for he would not listen to any speech.

”I am here to arrest you and your party, and save your breath, for you will need it at the court-martial. Surrender or we shall make you.”

”We shall not surrender,” answered Allen, calmly.

Allen, Baker and Old Buckskin had got into a corner of the room and dragged tables and a heavy dresser in front of them.

The English fired at the ”rebels” and succeeded only in damaging the walls and furniture.

Old Buckskin raised his musket, an old friend that had brought down many a bear and wolf in the forests; he patted it affectionately and took aim.

Every movement was as calm as though the enemy was a defenseless animal destined to fall beneath the unerring aim of the hunter.

The soldiers had reloaded and awaited the order to fire.

The musket belched forth its leaden fury, and the lieutenant fell dead.

”No use tackling small fry when the big uns are there,” explained the hunter, as he reloaded.

Allen and Baker had both fired their pistols and wounded two of the soldiers.

”Let us charge them,” suggested Allen, and almost before the words were uttered the little band of patriots had emerged from behind their barricade and were pressing the English toward the door.

With their leader dead, and four more dead or wounded, the soldiers became demoralized, and throwing away their guns, ran just as fast as they would had a pack of hungry wolves been in pursuit.

”Shall we pursue?” asked Baker.

”No, we will return to the camp. I think we have done all we can this trip.”

The return to the Isle-aux-Noix was accomplished without any adventure, and Allen was warmly welcomed by Gen. Montgomery.

The young Irish leader had just determined on the siege of St. John, and the information that Allen could give him proved very useful.

The whole plan of campaign was discussed and considerably modified after Allen had given his views on the subject.

The Green Mountain warrior suggested that the besiegers should be protected by what is termed circ.u.mvallation--that is, by a line or series of works surrounding the place, not to serve offensively against the place, but to defend the siege army from an attack from without.

His plan was adopted and the work was intrusted to him.

The English in St. John watched the preparations and laughed at the absurdity of the affair.

”Those rebels think they can fight,” said the colonel in command. ”Let them make all their preparations, and we will blow them all into smithereens in no time.”

But as he watched the works proceed he was not quite so sanguine.

”Who is leading the rebels?” he asked.

”Gen. Richard Montgomery.”

”Montgomery? Not the Irish general who was with the British at Martinique?”