be any
bears about a night like this?"

"Most likely."

"Then I will take my old musket; it may be handy to have."

A like reception Eben met with at Peleg Sunderland's and James
Breakenridge's houses.

Within an hour thirty of the Green Mountain boys had gathered in the
home of their colonel, Ethan Allen.

"Boys, we are in for it this night. Remember that it is your own kith
and kin that will be opposed to you. They are brothers, all these
Yorkers, and we do not want to be the first to shed blood; but if they
fire, that will be our signal. By the great mountains! we will give
two bullets for their one, and may victory be with the right!"

After giving instructions as to the mode of procedure, Allen told them
how he had heard the news.

"Never let any of the boys call Eben Pike a sissy any more. He has won
his spurs as a true knight."

Had Ethan not cautioned the boys against loud talking, there would have
been a rousing cheer given for the youthful hero.

"Whenever we have to distinguish our hero," said Allen, "we will call
him Eben Pike, the hero of Eagle's Bridge."

There is no doubt that Eben's face flushed when he heard the words of
praise, but he could not speak a word, for his tongue seemed too large
for his mouth, and his heart would beat so rapidly that it made him
believe he was going to choke.

It was Allen's plan to hide all the boys and appear as though he was
unarmed and unprepared when the sheriff came.

Seth Warner had returned to his colonel's house and reported that he
had made all arrangements for a speedy message if the sheriff from
Albany went to his house first.

Eben had slipped out and had gone to reconnoiter.

It was unknown to Allen, or he would not have allowed the brave boy to
run any more risks.

"Where is Pike?" he asked, as soon as he missed him.

"He went out a moment ago," answered Ira.

And in another moment he returned, the perspiration running down his
cheeks.

"They are coming!" he almost shouted, so excited had he become.

"Where are they?"

"Less than half a mile."

"How many?"

"Twenty, at least."

"You did not see so many before."

"No; they have another sheriff with them."

"To your quarters, boys; and remember, not a sound until the signal.
When I say, 'The moon has risen,' be ready; and when I say, 'It is at
the full,' fight like turkey cocks."

In another minute only Ethan and Ira were visible, and no one would
have imagined, from the