edition, even including those who were making the old soldier the
butt of their mirth, that he was held in high esteem by Colonel Ethan
Allen, and the request, although irregular, was readily granted, after a
warning against the perils attendant upon such a course.

"It is better you stay with the troops, corporal," the captain said
kindly, "although I have no hesitation in saying you are free to do as
you choose."

"And I do not choose to remain in the encampment for all the young
geese--who fancy that by signing the rolls they have become soldiers--to
sharpen their wits upon, therefore I would halt by myself, taking only
the recruit I claim as my own, for company."

"I will have a care that you are not annoyed again," the officer replied
in a kindly tone; but this was not to Corporal 'Lige's liking.

"If a soldier can only keep his self-respect by running to his superior
officers like a schoolboy when matters are not to his fancy it is time
he left the ranks. After we have smelt burning powder I fancy these
youngsters will keep a civil tongue in their heads, and until then I had
best care for myself."

This was such good logic that the captain could oppose no solid argument
against it, therefore the old soldier received permission for himself
and "his recruit" to form camp wherever it should please him, provided,
however, that they remained in the ranks while the command was
advancing.

Not until after the matter had been thus settled did the captain take it
upon himself to warn the corporal that it was not wholly safe to thus
separate from his companions.

"It is well known that our movements are being watched by both Tories
and Indians," he said in a friendly manner, such as would not offend the
obstinate old soldier, "and you can well fancy that they would not
hesitate to do some mischief to any of the expedition whom they might
come upon alone."

"I can take care of myself, and also the boy," Corporal 'Lige replied
stiffly, as he saluted his superior officer with unusual gravity, and
with this the subject was dropped.

Then the old man said to his recruit, as he motioned him aside that
others might not get information concerning his purpose:

"We'll draw such rations as may be served out, lad, and then push ahead
to where we can be in the company of sensible people, meaning our two
selves."

Isaac would have felt decidedly more safe if he could remain with the
main body of troops, for he had heard th