ns to be taken. I allow Seth Warner is
goin' to tackle that job, which won't be a difficult one, since it is
said there are not above a dozen men in the garrison."

"Suppose you an' I go with 'em?" Nathan suggested, now no longer eager
to demand money for his services; but, fired by what he had seen, and
burning to participate in new conquests.

"What do you say, corporal?" Isaac asked, feeling that it was necessary
to gain the old man's permission before he could join in the adventure.

Again Corporal 'Lige went to the door of the warehouse, looking about
him with the air of a weather-prophet, after which he replied in a
careless tone:

"I don't reckon it makes any difference whether you lads are here or
sailin' 'round the lake, therefore if Seth Warner gives his permission,
you may go so far as I am concerned; but it'll be only a question of
whifflin' from one point to another, for while the wind holds in this
direction I'm allowin' none of the force will reach Crown Point."

"The wind is likely to haul 'round after sunset, so let us take our
chances," Nathan whispered, and Isaac was not loth to embark.

Therefore the two started across the parade-ground for the purpose of
speaking with the old hunter--Seth Warner--when Captain Herrick, who had
just made his report of the night's work at Skenesborough, halted the
boys by saying:

"I reckon you two lads are the ones Colonel Allen would speak with at
once? You will find him in the commandant's quarters."

"He is most likely thinkin' of payin' me for comin' over last night,"
Nathan said as the two turned to obey the command, "and I have made up
my mind not to take money for the service."

Isaac looked at his companion in surprise, and the latter added almost
shame-facedly:

"I reckon father was right when he said every one in the colonies should
do all he could in this cause, and, besides, it looks to me as if the
king's troops would speedily get the worst of it."

Young Beman was not unlike many in the neighborhood who in after-days
were royalists or patriots as the cause of freedom grew weak or strong.

However, Nathan had no opportunity to refuse a payment of money for his
services, for when the lads stood before Colonel Allen, the latter said
in a tone of command, and yet with the air of one asking a favor:

"I want to send a messenger to Sudbury. Do you think you can find the
place, Isaac Rice?"

"I will show him the way, sir," Nathan said promptly,