y, as if
undecided what words had best be used; "but it was in the king's army,
as you well know, and there every one in command held their commission
from his majesty, which plainly said he was to be the leader. Now it
seems in this 'ere case that the only officer who has any real authority
is the one from New Haven----"

A chorus of derisive howls interrupted the old man, and not a few of his
neighbors accused him of being a traitor because he was apparently on
the point of giving his decision in favor of the stranger.

Waiting patiently until they had exhausted their anger, and were silent
once more, he continued placidly:

"As I said before it seems to me the only one with any show of authority
is the officer from New Haven; but," and Corporal 'Lige emphasized this
word, "but what do you know of this 'ere Massachusetts Committee of
Safety? Accordin' to my way of figurin', that body of men are lookin'
out for matters round about Boston, and we've got with us recruits all
the way from Pittsfield up to Bennington, none of whom are given
overmuch to heedin' what the Boston folks think is right or wrong.
Therefore I say, that while the officer from New Haven seems to have the
only real authority, it strikes me that his commission does not extend
as far as this 'ere spot, where we are encamped."

Again he was interrupted; but this time by cries expressive of
satisfaction and good will.

"We were the ones who started the idea of taking the fort," a recruit
from Pittsfield cried, "and that being the case I hold we've got the
right to say who shall lead us."

"But the Green Mountain Boys won't go except their colonel is in
command," another added, and a third cried:

"The men of Stockbridge will hold to Colonel Arnold, and won't go on
under another."

"Well, I've heard all that before," Corporal 'Lige said in a tone of
fine irony. "If you have come to me to repeat the same story that has
been goin' 'round the encampment since daybreak, why then you are
wastin' your time. If you want my opinion so that this thing can be put
right in short order, hold your tongues, an' I'll give it."

"Let Corporal 'Lige finish."

"He is soldier enough to know what should be done."

"Go on, corporal, go on."

This evidence of popularity was most pleasing to the old man, and
smiling benignantly upon those nearest, he said, with the air of one who
cannot be in the wrong:

"This is how it must be done: Let them as come with Colon