ldier's first duty is obedience.

He addressed the people in every town and village, and the result was
far beyond his expectations.

In a week he had traversed the country as far as St. Ours, twelve miles
south of Sorel, and had enlisted two hundred and fifty Canadians and
had armed them.

He wrote to Montgomery, telling him of his success, and adding that he
hoped to be with him in three days to take part in the assault on St.
John.

The return march was commenced, and on the second day the advance guard
encountered a regiment of Americans under command of Maj. Brown.

Allen was delighted to meet a brother officer, and regretted that he
had sent half his men forward under command of Remember Baker.

Brown was sanguine and saw a chance of striking a great blow at the
English power.

"Montreal," he said, "is defenseless, and, with your forces united to
mine, we can capture it."

Allen fell in with the suggestion, and a plan was discussed.

The men had met on the east bank of the St. Lawrence, between Longueuil
and Laprairie, and it was arranged that Allen was to cross the river in
canoes a little north of the city, while Brown and the men under his
command were to cross to the south, and, advancing from different
directions, make themselves masters of the works and the garrison.

The difficulty of obtaining canoes delayed Allen.

He sent up and down the river to get boats, either by purchase or by
force, but only succeeded in getting a very few.

He had to cross and recross three times before he landed his little
party on the opposite side.

The night was squally. The wind blew in fearful gusts, and often the
frail boats were in danger of being wrecked.

Allen cheered his men and promised them a glorious victory.

It was sunrise before all had crossed, and then the little party
awaited the signal from Maj. Brown.

An hour passed and no signal was heard.

Half an hour more, and then Allen knew that Brown had not crossed.

His position was critical.

He would have retreated had it been possible, but he would be seen by
the enemy, and a fire opened on the canoes would speedily sink them.

"Men, we are lost. Brown has failed to cross the river. If we could
retreat we would, but that would mean death without glory. We must
stand our ground and die with glory. Our country must never say we
were cowards."

There was a suppressed cheer, and Allen knew that his few men were
ready to make a determi