e concealed, he
was as safe as in his mountain home.

The people of New York were ready to cast in their lot with the
colonies which had declared their independence, and, though nominally
loyal to England, the Yorkers were only waiting an opportunity to
openly throw off the yoke and declare themselves independent.

"The Hero of Ticonderoga," as Allen was called everywhere, was lionized
by the people, though those in authority were compelled to appear as
though they did not recognize him.

When Allen reached Albany he at once went to the Assembly Hall.

Marching up to the speaker's desk he said, in a loud voice:

"I am Ethan Allen, leader of the Green Mountain Boys, and I have come,
not to surrender to you or to lower my claims to the lands in the New
Hampshire grants, which we now call Vermont, but to ask you to listen
to a plan by which our country may become a nation, free and
independent."

"I propose that the assembly go into secret session to hear the Hero of
Ticonderoga."

The speaker was one who had been most bitter against Allen when he had
appeared there sometime before to argue in favor of the men of Vermont.

"Let it be understood that New York, in listening to Ethan Allen, does
not relinquish its claims to the lands which he culls Vermont."

"That matter can well be left in abeyance," said Allen. "There is a
greater one--that of our independence as a nation."

"On that subject we will hear you!"

"I ask that the proceedings shall be secret."

"That is understood."

Ethan Allen, with a natural eloquence and rugged fervor, laid before
the representatives of the people a plan for the invasion of Canada.

He showed how, with daring and quickness, the country north of the St.
Lawrence could be captured, thereby inflicting an injury on the
British, and taking from them a large tract of country, which could be
made so valuable an adjunct of the colonies south of the St. Lawrence
when they became independent.

He had gathered information which showed how easily all Canada could be
captured, save, perhaps, the citadel of Quebec.

He was listened to patiently. He was cheered when he spoke of the
gallant attack on Quebec by Wolfe and the heroic defense of the French
general, Montcalm; and tears rolled down many cheeks when he recalled
how the French hero, wounded unto death, expressed a pleasure that he
should not live to witness the surrender of Quebec.

Then, with solemn voice, he told how the