position, though the very fact that he was, in a sense, a
freelance, made him more valuable to Montgomery.

A promise was given that, should an opportunity offer, Allen was to
command a regiment under Montgomery.

After leaving Ticonderoga the march was easy for two days, for the
country was peopled by friends of the colonial cause; but after that
the farmers were decidedly hostile.

There was great difficulty in feeding the army, and although the
general offered to purchase food, the tories refused to sell any.

Allen was commissioned to take twenty men and forage.

He knew that the farmers were tories, but he shrank not from his task.

He was supplied with a small amount of money, and was empowered to pay,
by notes, for any food he secured.

About a mile from camp a poultry farm was reached, and Allen at once
requisited all the poultry.

The farmer demurred, but the soldiers were the strongest, and very soon
a quantity of young turkeys, hens and ducks were in the wagons, much to
the delight of the foragers.

At the next house a determined opposition was organized.

At the fence the patriots were met by a number of men, armed with all
sorts of weapons.

"We are prepared to pay for what we get," said Allen.

"I guess you will pay for what you get; that would be right easy, for
you'll not get a durn thing."

"My friend, you make a mistake."

"Move on there or I'll set the dogs on you."

To emphasize his assertion he whistled, and immediately two splendid
animals sprang to his side.

"Call off those dogs; we do not war on dumb animals," Allen called.

"I guess I'll not call 'em off. At' em, beauties."

The dogs sprang over the fence, and with glaring eyes and open mouths
made for the nearest soldier.

Two pistol shots prevented them doing any damage, and Allen gave the
order to his men to charge the obstructives and take whatever food they
could find.

However determined men may be, they cannot stand against muskets and
swords, when their weapons are only hay forks and crowbars.

The farm helpers were driven back, and a wagon was quickly loaded with
flour and grain and vegetables.

The foraging expedition was a great success, though Allen would have
preferred purchasing the food, if any could have been found to sell.

The next day he was sent out again, and met with good success until he
was ready to return.

A company of soldiers had been quartered on one of the farms by the
English, and A