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sacrifice anything, even honor.

He had been brought up as a merchant, and had splendid opportunities in
his native Colony of Connecticut for success, but he was restless, and
wanted a fame greater than he could obtain as a merchant.

He had suggested the formation of a company of militia, to be called
the "Governor's Guards," and had also hinted that they should rival the
royal guards of England in appearance and attire.

The governor was pleased with the suggestion, for he loved display, and
commissioned Benedict Arnold to put into effect his suggestion, and to
take the rank of captain.

Arnold cared less for the career of a merchant than ever.

He designed a uniform which should outshine even the famous Life Guards
of London in splendor.

Buckling on a sword, he would pose before a mirror and salute his own
reflected image in the glass.

Gathering around him a number of well-connected young men, men of good
figure and tall in stature, he proceeded to impress upon them his own
importance, and made them believe that all the honor of their position
depended upon his favor.

Arnold was a favorite, and so the young men of New Haven accepted his
authority and became the willing followers of Capt. Arnold.

The governor threw a wet blanket on his scheme when he told him that if
the guards wanted uniforms they must purchase them, for the funds of
the colony could not be used for such a purpose.

Arnold had to moderate his gorgeousness and accept a much plainer
uniform for his guards.

The company was formed, and drill commenced. The young captain showed
that he knew more about the manual of arms than he did of mercantile
practices.

The militia grumbled at the harshness of the discipline, but a few
words from their captain won them over.

When the war commenced Arnold was a strong royalist, or tory.

He wanted the guards to be recognized by England as a part of the royal
forces. In fancy he saw himself driving the "rebels" into the sound
and being sent for to London to receive the thanks of the king in
person; he imagined himself promoted to the rank of general, and
perhaps made life governor of one of the colonies.

But the airy castles he built fell to the ground when he was bluntly
told that the king could do without his "guards," and that when there
was need of soldiers the king could provide them.

From that moment Arnold resolved on throwing in his lot with the very
men he had asked permission