if to raise a sword, and
then realizing that he had no such weapon, said in a remarkably
conciliatory tone:

"I told Colonel Allen that you were well acquainted with the interior of
the fort, and he would speak with you a few moments."

"Well, if you'd said that in the first place I would have been willing;
but when you jumped down on me as if I was one of these recruits, I
wasn't goin' to stand it."

"If you are willin' to come, follow me."

"Am I to go with you?" Isaac asked pleadingly, and the corporal
hesitated an instant before replying:

"Yes, lad, I don't reckon it'll do any harm, and it may give you an
insight into the way we manage military affairs."

CHAPTER VI.

A SQUAD OF FOUR.

Isaac was in high glee at thus being permitted to visit headquarters,
for even though he went there only by permission of Corporal 'Lige and
not because his presence was desired, it seemed to him that it was in a
certain degree a recognition of the possible fact that he was really a
soldier.

Nathan Beman, however, did not appear to think there was any compliment
in the invitation. Naturally of a suspicious nature, he fancied in some
way this visit might work to his harm, and, in addition, he was
displeased by the air of superiority which was observable in the
corporal when he addressed any remark to the lad.

The old soldier walked several paces in advance of the boys, and did not
appear to think it necessary he should look around to see if they were
following, for in his mind a request to visit headquarters was the same
as an imperative command, and one which no sane person would venture to
disobey.

"I suppose he thinks he can tow me 'round wherever he likes, and I've
got a mind to show him he can't," Nathan said to Isaac, motioning with
his thumb toward the corporal.

"It's Colonel Allen who wants to see you," Isaac ventured to suggest
timidly.

"How do you know?"

"Why Corporal 'Lige said so."

"I ain't certain that makes it true, 'cause he's said a good many things
that don't amount to much since I've been around this place."

"But the corporal wouldn't lie," Isaac said solemnly, and Nathan added
with a peculiar smile:

"Oh, no, he wouldn't lie!"

"See here, what have you got against the corporal?"

"Me? Why should I have anything against him?"

"That's what puzzles me; but it seems as though you didn't think very
much of him."

"Neither do I. I've seen soldiers up 'round Ticonderoga, not