e men be surprised, as our leader counts them
in Fort Ticonderoga will be," the corporal replied, and then placed his
finger on his lips that the lad should cease talking, for the order had
been passed from boat to boat just before the fleet left the shore that
no conversation be indulged in.

Nathan, sulky because of having been put in charge of the man whom he
disliked, gave no apparent attention to anything.

In almost perfect silence the journey by water was made, and brought to
an end just as the day was breaking, when, in obedience to signals
rather than words, the men disembarked and were formed in three ranks
close to the water's edge.

Then it was that Colonel Allen advanced to where the men might hear when
he spoke in the tone of ordinary conversation, and said with a calmness
which in itself was impressive:

"There are but few of us here to undertake the work which was cut out;
but yet each of you should be a match for any two whom we may meet.
Should we delay until all the force can be ferried across, there will be
no longer opportunity to surprise the garrison; therefore we must act
for our comrades as well as ourselves, remembering that should we falter
we cast shame on them also. Now, lads, it is my purpose to march into
the fort, and I only ask that you follow where I lead."

The officers stepped forward quickly to make certain there should be no
cheering, and wheeling about with true military precision Colonel Allen
started forward, Colonel Arnold by his side, and Corporal 'Lige with
Nathan and Isaac directly in the rear.

Behind them came eighty of the Green Mountain Boys.

There was no command given.

Each of the men copied the movements of the leader, and noiselessly but
rapidly they made their way up the heights toward the sallyport, Isaac's
face paling as he went, for he believed of a surety now was come the
time when he should hear the clash of arms and find himself in the midst
of combatants, each striving to take the other's life.

On passing an angle at the rear of the fortification the entrance of a
trench or covert-way was come upon and here they surprised a sentinel
half asleep, leaning against the earthwork.

Awakened thus suddenly, and seeing what he might naturally suppose to be
the advance guard of a large force directly upon him, he took hasty aim
at Colonel Allen and pulled the trigger.

Involuntarily Isaac closed his eyes, believing their leader must be
killed at such sho