d the news also came that on the same day the people of North
Carolina had held a convention at Charlotte and declared themselves
independent of the British crown, and that they had organized a local
government and pledged themselves to raise and equip an army.

This was pleasing news, but Allen wanted to hear more from Boston.

The information conveyed to him by Eben was disquieting.

Was it possible that Benedict Arnold was taking things into his own
hands and acting without consulting him?

He sent for Arnold.

"Well, sir, you wished to see me?"

"Yes, colonel; I wanted to know if it were true that you had arranged
to send a portion of our cannon and ammunition to New Haven?"

"It is quite true."

"Why did you not consult me?"'

"It was not necessary."

"I am commander here."

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Allen."

Allen passed over the insulting way in which Benedict Arnold addressed
him, and very calmly replied:

"You came to me as a volunteer, and I accepted your services and those
of your men."

"Quite true."

"Since when, then, have you been given the command?"

"It is time, Mr. Allen, that we should understand each other. I am a
commissioned colonel. I bear that rank according to the laws of my
colony, Connecticut. Moreover, I was commissioned a colonel by the
Provincial Assembly at Cambridge. You hold no rank except that given
you by some farmers who have not even the right to elect a
representative, but are only squatters on land belonging either to New
Hampshire or New York. When the fort was captured it became a military
necessity that some one should be in command who would have power to
treat with the enemy, and, as you were only--well, a Green Mountain
Boy, the command fell upon me."

"Indeed!"

"Yes, and I was thinking of asking you to retire, as your plebeian
conduct with the men is apt to injure discipline, and so demoralize the
small army."

"You are very considerate."

"It is my duty. I shall take care that your bravery shall be
acknowledged."

"Thank you!"

"I must confess that for one who has had no military training you have
behaved wonderfully well. The thanks of Connecticut will be awarded to
you in due season, and I will see that whatever personal expense you
may have been put to shall be reimbursed to you out of the amount voted
by the assembly."

"And I suppose you wish the Green Mountain Boys to leave the same time
you desire me to go?"

"No, we have need