Nathan was most grievously disappointed. He had fancied there might be a skirmish, or at least an exchange of shots, for until the morning when Ticonderoga was taken so readily he had believed the king's soldiers to be invincible, and even now he was not prepared to see them surrender to a force little more than four times their number. The prisoners readily answered the questions put by the captain. They were from Crown Point, and having learned of the surrender of Ticonderoga had been dispatched by the sergeant in command of the garrison, for reinforcements. They stated, in addition, that it was not believed those who had taken Ticonderoga would push on to Crown Point immediately, consequently plenty of time remained in which that post might be reinforced. Therefore it was the sergeant in command had not hesitated to weaken his small garrison by thus sending seven men on a mission which might more readily have been accomplished by one. "There is yet time for us to do Seth Warner a good turn," Captain Baker cried sufficiently loud for all his men to hear. "It is more than likely the garrison at Crown Point will hold out when the Green Mountain Boys demand its surrender, believing reinforcements are, or speedily will be, on the way. Now, instead of stopping at Ticonderoga, our plan is to push directly on to the fort, and when it is known that we have captured the messengers I reckon the fortification will be surrendered with but little parley." Although the captain had thus spoken as if making a suggestion, his men understood that his words were little short of a command, and after transferring the prisoners the fleet was gotten under way. Thanks to the freshening wind the boats were soon making good time in the race to overtake the force led by Seth Warner. "And it is to be Crown Point for us, after all!" Nathan cried exultantly, whereat, hearing the words, Captain Baker asked: "What is your name, lad?" "Nathan Beman from Shoreham." "So? I knew your father was on the right side; but understood that you and your mother were hardly to be trusted." "I cannot say anything for mother; but since I have seen the king's soldiers surrender so readily I am with the Green Mountain Boys and those who share their opinions." "When you are so nearly with them as to enlist, come to me, lad, and I will give you a musket in the best company that can be found this side of Cambridge." Isaac looked at his new friend reproachfully, and the latter said with a laugh: "I know all you are thinking; but when I enlist, and it ain't certain but that I shall do so soon if the people continue to hold out against the king, I propose to set my name down for that company to which you belong." "Do so when we go back to the fort," Isaac cried gleefully, "and side by side you and I will see many a brave adventure." "But the trouble is we may see more than will be pleasing, though I truly believe I shall enlist."