"And Corporal 'Lige shall teach us both a soldier's duty." This proposition apparently did not meet with favor, for Nathan at once changed the subject of the conversation by inquiring regarding the probable condition of affairs at Crown Point, after which the boys listened to the conversation of their companions as they spoke of Lexington and Concord, and of what should be done to avenge the murders committed there. And now it came to pass that these two lads were most grievously disappointed in their anticipations concerning the capture of the fort. Probably each had in his mind the thought that he was to see somewhat of war, more at least than had been witnessed at Ticonderoga; but it was not to be. As the little fleet approached the point, Warner and his men were just disembarking. Although Captain Baker's party was but a mile away at that time, when they gained the shore the garrison had been surrendered without the firing of a gun, and the booming of the cannon told that again were the "imitation soldiers" successful in their efforts to teach his majesty a lesson. One hundred and fourteen cannon, of which sixty-one were fit for service, were among the spoils on this morning, and after having made up a list of such goods as were found in the fort, Seth Warner did the two lads the great favor of sending them to Colonel Allen with the news of the bloodless victory. "Go you on ahead, lads," Captain Baker said when the boys had been intrusted with the message. "I won't spoil a good fortune by seeming to accompany you; but will linger here until you are well on the way, and after having given Ethan Allen the best news he could possibly receive at such a critical time, I very much question whether you may not ask whatsoever you will from him." Hurriedly the messengers departed in order that they might arrive well in advance of Captain Baker's company, and when they were pulling down the lake, Isaac said thoughtfully: "You heard what Captain Baker said, that Colonel Allen might grant anything we asked?" "Yes, and I know what is in your mind this minute." "Name it then." "You think I am counting on asking him for money." Isaac's face flushed and he made no reply. "I might have done so a few days ago, but now I am coming around on the same track with father, and say that the colonists do right in resisting the king. If it so be he permits, I will enlist this day." And Nathan Beman kept his promise, even going so far as to desire Corporal 'Lige should stand sponsor for him when, the message having been delivered, Colonel Allen thanked them again and again for the cheering intelligence and asked what they would choose as their reward. "Only the permission to enlist," Nathan said, and the colonel stared at him in open-mouthed astonishment for several seconds, after which he asked with a laugh: "Are you not the same lad who so thirsted for money that he refused to show the way into the fort unless first paid for his services?"