he subject.

The Green Mountain warrior suggested that the besiegers should be
protected by what is termed circumvallation--that is, by a line or
series of works surrounding the place, not to serve offensively against
the place, but to defend the siege army from an attack from without.

His plan was adopted and the work was intrusted to him.

The English in St. John watched the preparations and laughed at the
absurdity of the affair.

"Those rebels think they can fight," said the colonel in command. "Let
them make all their preparations, and we will blow them all into
smithereens in no time."

But as he watched the works proceed he was not quite so sanguine.

"Who is leading the rebels?" he asked.

"Gen. Richard Montgomery."

"Montgomery? Not the Irish general who was with the British at
Martinique?"

"The same, Colonel."

"By Jove! by Jupiter! he knows what he is doing. Who is second in
command?"

"Ethan Allen."

"By Jove! we have blundered. We ought never to have allowed them to
come so near. I thought that they were an undisciplined lot of
peasants, who knew nothing about war, and would flee as soon as we
opened fire on them."

"Perhaps the rank and file will."

"They dare not."

"Why?"

"I was with Montgomery at Havana, and I know that he would turn his gun
on his own men if they showed any signs of retreating. He is the very
devil when fighting."

"What shall we do?'

"I must think."

The colonel had shown his anxiety more than he had intended, and he
must have some time to recover his equilibrium.

In a few minutes he had taken his glass and scanned the enemy's works.

He saw the weak spots and gave orders that they should be charged.

A regiment sallied out and marched with band playing and banners flying.

Allen saw them approach, and at once communicated with Montgomery.

Orders were given to defend the weak places and to be content in
holding the line.

The British had underestimated the courage of the Americans.

They had yet to learn that men fighting for a principle were stronger
than those who fought to obey orders.

Allen knew that many of his men were raw, never having stood up before
an enemy, and that when it came to fighting they might be frightened.

He called his officers together and addressed them.

"It is necessary that we reduce St. Johns, and as it is our first real
battle you must each be responsible for your men. Don't let any
falter. At the fir