Page 18 of The Hero of Ticonderoga; or, Ethan Allen and His Green Mountain Boys

He admired their boldness.

He was afraid to lose their services, for he saw that troubles werebrewing that would need the aid of men like Allen.

"I will see you again on the morrow. In the meantime you will all stayat my expense at the inn."

"No, sir. We ask no favors, neither do we accept any. We men of themountains are independent."

"As you please. This young spy will remain with me."

"Eben Pike goes with us. He is of the mountains, also."

"But I must know more of his methods of spying."

"Ask him what you please; but he must be free. If he is imprisoned Iwill call upon the men of Concord to aid the men of the mountains torelease him."

"You are bold, Sir Ethan."

"I am a free man, and I allow no one who serves me to be injuredwithout calling the offender to account."

"But if he hath broken the laws?"

"Then let him be tried and punished."

"That is all we intend doing."

"What charge is there against him?"

"That we shall have to determine."

"Until then he will stay with us. I will be personally responsible forhim."

Nothing more was said, and Allen and his Mountain Boys walked out ofthe governor's presence, taking Eben with them.

"Talbot, I would rather have that man as a friend than an enemy," saidWentworth when he was alone with the attorney-general.

"It will be better policy to please Ethan Allen and his mountaineersthan Gov. Tryon of York."

"I am thinking you are right."

"If we do not placate Allen he will make terms with New York."

"But would Tryon agree to terms?"

"The Yorkers would make Allen deputy-governor, and Allen could take allthe land west of the Connecticut over with him."

"What would you have me do?"

"Send for Allen; make him a deputy in the mountain district; give himmore power than any other man in the district, and then tell Gov. Tryonto capture Allen if he can."

"Your advice may be good; I will think over it and will decide before Isee these men on the morrow."

CHAPTER VII.

AN AMBUSCADE.

The energetic governor of New York had a spy present during theinterview between the Green Mountain leader and the governor of NewHampshire.

Tryon had made up his mind to use his influence--and it was great--tohave England amalgamate the two colonies and make him the ruler of theconsolidated district.