he had to deal with sturdy men.

Gov. Wentworth received the mountain heroes at ones [Transcriber's
note: once?].

Talbot told his story of how he had been received by Ethan Allen, and
he did not spare the young leader.

Then came Allen's turn.

"It hath been made known to me that the Colony of New York has asked
that I be sent a prisoner to Albany, there to be tried for certain
crimes. Is that so?"

"It is."

"It hath been told me that I am charged with killing a king's officer,
one Sheriff Merrit. Is that so?"

"You are rightly informed."

"Then hear me. Merrit died in New Hampshire, and, even if I had killed
him, I claim I must be tried in my own colony and not in York."

"You admit killing him?"

"I did not kill him. His death was an accident. There are plenty of
witnesses to prove that. Then I am told I am charged with stealing
documents bearing the seal of New York. Is that so?"

"It is."

"I can prove that when the sheriff did unlawfully enter my house at the
Crossroads he had not the documents with him, but he had seals only.
Now, your excellency, I am here to tell you that I hold my land from
you, that I live in the Colony of New Hampshire, and that the sheriff
of New York has no right to invade this colony, and if I had shot him
as he entered my house I should have done right. What have you to say
to that?"

Gov. Wentworth remained silent.

He knew that Allen was right.

"Do you relinquish all right to the grants?" asked Allen.

"No."

"Then tell the governor of York to mind his own business. I have not
yet finished. I am a free man, a subject of his majesty, the King of
England. And, as a free man, I ask you, his representative, whether
you have made a promise that I shall be surrendered to Albany?"

"I decline to answer."

"You were to get me here by a trick, and then without trial send me to
Albany, there to be hanged as a rebel and murderer. All I have done
has been to protect the title you gave me, and my own labor, and I will
protect that labor as long as my arm retains its strength."

"I am no traitor, Ethan Allen. I would have given you a fair trial."

"You promised to surrender me."

"I did not."

"Yes, you did; I heard you!"

Even Ethan was surprised and startled by the voice.

Young Eben Pike had stepped close up to the governor, and was shaking
his fist in his face.

"Who are you?"

"I am Ebenezer Pike, and I heard you promise that Col. Ethan Alle