"You, who have had so much experience in military affairs, Corporal 'Lige, should be able to settle this matter without any great loss of time, for according to my way of thinking it must be arranged among the men themselves, or not at all." "I have seen plenty of fightin'," the corporal began slowly, as if undecided what words had best be used; "but it was in the king's army, as you well know, and there every one in command held their commission from his majesty, which plainly said he was to be the leader. Now it seems in this 'ere case that the only officer who has any real authority is the one from New Haven----" A chorus of derisive howls interrupted the old man, and not a few of his neighbors accused him of being a traitor because he was apparently on the point of giving his decision in favor of the stranger. Waiting patiently until they had exhausted their anger, and were silent once more, he continued placidly: "As I said before it seems to me the only one with any show of authority is the officer from New Haven; but," and Corporal 'Lige emphasized this word, "but what do you know of this 'ere Massachusetts Committee of Safety? Accordin' to my way of figurin', that body of men are lookin' out for matters round about Boston, and we've got with us recruits all the way from Pittsfield up to Bennington, none of whom are given overmuch to heedin' what the Boston folks think is right or wrong. Therefore I say, that while the officer from New Haven seems to have the only real authority, it strikes me that his commission does not extend as far as this 'ere spot, where we are encamped." Again he was interrupted; but this time by cries expressive of satisfaction and good will. "We were the ones who started the idea of taking the fort," a recruit from Pittsfield cried, "and that being the case I hold we've got the right to say who shall lead us." "But the Green Mountain Boys won't go except their colonel is in command," another added, and a third cried: "The men of Stockbridge will hold to Colonel Arnold, and won't go on under another." "Well, I've heard all that before," Corporal 'Lige said in a tone of fine irony. "If you have come to me to repeat the same story that has been goin' 'round the encampment since daybreak, why then you are wastin' your time. If you want my opinion so that this thing can be put right in short order, hold your tongues, an' I'll give it." "Let Corporal 'Lige finish." "He is soldier enough to know what should be done." "Go on, corporal, go on." This evidence of popularity was most pleasing to the old man, and smiling benignantly upon those nearest, he said, with the air of one who cannot be in the wrong: