"Well, there ain't anything very dangerous here yet awhile; suppose we wait an' see how things turn? I don't care overmuch for fightin' myself; but that's no reason why I shouldn't want to know whether there's likely to be a row or not." Isaac admired the courage of his new acquaintance and immediately adopted him as a protector, taking up his position a pace or two in the rear of Nathan as he watched the threatening movements. The recruits from Pittsfield and vicinity were standing in close order with the corporal at their head, evidently ready for whatever turn might come in affairs. Some of them retained their weapons; but the majority appeared to have more confidence in their fists, and with arms bared to the elbow were awaiting the word which would precipitate them upon the small body from Stockbridge who guarded the treasure. This last detachment had either learned of the advice given by Corporal 'Lige, or scented danger because they were so few in numbers as compared with the other two factions, and were standing shoulder to shoulder ready to resist an expected attack. A short distance away the Green-Mountain Boys remained strictly by themselves; but not giving any sign of taking part in the lawless proceedings. So long as Ethan Allen was considered the head of the expedition they were satisfied to stand aloof from any brawl. As has been said before, the leading officers were nowhere to be seen; some of the better informed declared they were in the shelter near by which had been used as their quarters during the night, and with Colonel Arnold were discussing the question of superiority in rank. Corporal 'Lige hesitated to give the word which should precipitate the riot. He had been elevated to the position of leader and perhaps the responsibility weighed heavily upon him, for certain it is that after advising what should be done, he evinced a disposition to retire from what might be the scene of a conflict. "Look here, old man, we're ready to do as you have said. Now give the word and lead us on to those recruits. We'll soon find out what they're made of," one of the men said as the corporal turned toward the rear much as though intending to join Isaac and Nathan: "Yes, give the word. This is your plan, and we're ready to carry it out as you have said!" "Fair an' easy; fair an' easy, comrades," Corporal 'Lige said soothingly. "A good general doesn't depend wholly on his plan until he's made certain of the enemy's position. You don't allow that we can rush in hilter-skilter an' hope to work our purpose, eh?" "Why not? There are only a dozen of them to near fifty of us." "But look at Colonel Allen's regiment." "Well, what of them? They are not in this quarrel, for their commander is leader of the expedition so far." "No, they are not in it," the corporal said; "but what assurance have we they won't take a hand as soon as we begin operations? Don't you allow they know what the Stockbridge men brought with them?"