Page 60 of The Hero of Ticonderoga; or, Ethan Allen and His Green Mountain Boys

"That is true; but if we get rid of England's rule and that of thetones, these same boys will rest well in their graves."

"You seem to think the patriots are right."

"I know they are, and I tell you, my masters, that as long as I have astalk of corn on my farm I'll divide it with any boy who fights againstthe oppressor."

"Bravo! but methinks the people round about do not think as you do."

"Many are afraid to speak, because, if they did, and the English weresuccessful, they would be made to suffer; and if the patriots win, as Iam sure they will, then the silent man may be counted a patriot."

"Very wisely stated."

"My idea of a great man is----"

The farmer paused.

"Excuse me, I thought I heard some one at the window. No, I was wrong,and yet I could have sworn I saw a face as I looked up."

"You were saying that your ideal of a man was----"

"Ethan Allen, the hero of Ticonderoga. I tell you, he is right all thetime. He was right about those land grants. If the land had been ofno value New Hampshire might have had all the land, but because itproved rich, of course York coveted it."

"Have you ever seen Ethan Allen?" Warner asked.

"No. I would give half my farm to do so."

"You needn't do that. Look at him; that is the hero of Ticonderoga,and I am Seth Warner who tells you so."

The farmer was overjoyed, and became so excited that he shouted anddanced with joy.

There was a sudden stop put to his merriment. Something fell overoutside the window.

"I could have sworn it before, but now I know some one was there. Thatmilk can could not fall down without hands. I'll find the scurvywretch and thrash him into sense!"

The milk can h

ad been thrown down, but no one was in sight, and after asearch the party returned to the large kitchen, where they againreplenished their glasses with cider.

In an interval of the fraternal mirth Eben got close to Allen and askedhim to spare a few moments.

"What is it, Eben?"

"I like it not, colonel. Some one was at that window at the time youwere discovered, and the knocking over of the milk can was an accident;the man who did it has gone to find some English who will pay well foryour capture."

"You are too suspicious, Eben."

"Perhaps so, colonel, but do be careful."

"I will. I have no desire to get into any jail, and I am sure that Ilike life too well to risk it needlessly."

It was after ten o'clock, a late hour in those days, before the farmerwould listen to any suggestion of retiring for the night.

He wanted Allen to sleep in the house--the others were to occupy thehay loft--but Allen declared that he would share the loft with hisfriends, and that no man should say that he had accepted bettertreatment than his followers.

As it was impossible for all to stay in the house, the farmer gave wayand allowed Allen to share the hay loft.

It was a happy party that climbed up the stairs into the place, wherethe sweet odor of the hay created a desire for sleep.

In less than ten minutes the hay had been too much for them, and allwere asleep.