English had but a small
garrison at the citadel, and how it could be taken unawares and maybe
captured as easily as Ticonderoga.

In one thing did Ethan Allen fail.

He hinted that perhaps the French Canadians would help the Yorkers and
participate in the driving out of the British from North America.

We say that was a mistake, because the people still remember the great
struggle against the French, and the fierce war between the colonies
acknowledging England and France.

One man, afterward one of the foremost to welcome Lafayette to New
York, declared that it would be better to be the slaves of England than
the friends of France.

"Better serfdom, degradation, death under England's flag than liberty
if obtained by the assistance of France."

His fiery speech turned the tide of feeling against Ethan Allen and the
invasion of Canada, and the assembly absolutely refused to listen any
further to Allen.

Some were ungenerous enough to taunt him with suggesting the plan on
purpose to save himself from arrest.

Others wanted to know if he expected to be the general commanding.

"No, I should have asked permission to join as a private soldier, for I
have no ambition to command even a squad."

"What, then, was your object?"

"I live to serve my country; I hope to see her free and independent."

Saying which, he left the hall, and his Mountain Boys were downhearted
at the treatment he had received.

"Shall we return to our mountains?" asked Baker.

"No; at least I shall not. I shall journey to Philadelphia and see
what the Continental Congress is doing."

"We will go with you."

"I shall be glad of your company, though maybe you have more urgent
matters at home to attend to."

"That was unkind, colonel," Seth Warner murmured.

"I meant it not so, believe me. I know that all of you are ready to
serve your country."

Albany was left behind and the party started south for Philadelphia.

After a long march a place of rest was sought.

It was nothing unusual for a semi-military company to be on the march,
and so the party did not attract any extraordinary attention.

A farmhouse seemed best suited for the refreshment and rest required,
and one was found which seemed to answer all purposes.

Warner went forward to interview the farmer, and soon returned with the
pleasing news that the party could have supper, rest for the night, and
breakfast in the morning for a most moderate sum.

The farmer was ho