rpose for which we have advanced be accomplished. Now, then, those of
you who cannot obey my orders, step to the right."

The Green-Mountain Boys began to raise shouts of approval, but their
colonel checked them by saying sternly:

"Silence in the ranks! Let no man dare give voice to his approval or
disapproval of what may occur in this encampment!"

It was as if Colonel Easton believed some of his men might take
advantage of the opportunity, and stepping quickly to the side of Allen,
he said:

"Lads, when the question came up last night as to who should lead this
expedition, I cast the first vote for Colonel Allen. He is a soldier of
much experience and great ability. It is my earnest desire that he take
upon himself the responsibility of directing our movements, and
whatsoever he orders shall be performed by me faithfully and promptly."

Colonel Arnold made no attempt to address his men, and the three
officers stood in silence several moments, after which Allen said:

"Because none of you have signified your desire to be relieved from the
enlistment, we will suppose all are willing to go forward, and from now
out there can be no excuse for insubordination or hesitation."

This said, the officers withdrew once more, and now that their colonel
was no longer there to check them the Green Mountain Boys set up a shout
of triumph, which was answered by derisive yells from Corporal 'Lige's
troop, and apparent indifference by the men from Stockbridge.

"I reckon I may as well go home now," Nathan said in a low tone to
Isaac. "There don't seem to be any chance of a row because the men are
going to give in easy enough; but I'd like to see 'em find their way
into the fort. It ain't so easy as they're countin' on."

"Who is this boy, Isaac?" Corporal 'Lige asked as he stepped toward the
lads, apparently glad of an opportunity to disengage himself from those
who had shown they were ready to obey his commands.

Isaac gave such explanation as was within his power, and the old man
asked, addressing Nathan:

"What do you know about Fort Ticonderoga?"

The boy made reply much as he had to Isaac, and the corporal questioned
him sharply:

"Have you been allowed to roam over the fortification at will?"

"There was no reason why I shouldn't. I know all the boys who live in
the fort, an' after I finished what I went for, who'd stop us from goin'
'round?"

"How many soldiers are there in the place?"

"Somewhere about fifty