A tremendous shout in the affirmative went up from those brave patriots, and Ethan Allen was so overcome with emotion that for a few moments he could not speak. Then, raising his sword above his head, he shouted: "On to Ticonderoga! Victory and freedom, or death, for every man who hears my voice!" And the Green Mountain Boys took up the cry: "On to Ticonderoga! Victory or death!" CHAPTER XIII. BENEDICT ARNOLD. "At last I see my way to a position. They said I was a ne'er-do-well. We shall see!" The speaker, a fine, handsome-looking man, paced the floor of a small room in Cambridge. It was one week after the battle of Lexington. He was restless; every muscle in his body seemed to quiver with excitement. Anyone looking at him would prefer him as a friend rather than an enemy, for there was that in his face which betokened strong passion. He was ambitious. For the gratification of that ambition he would sacrifice anything, even honor. He had been brought up as a merchant, and had splendid opportunities in his native Colony of Connecticut for success, but he was restless, and wanted a fame greater than he could obtain as a merchant. He had suggested the formation of a company of militia, to be called the "Governor's Guards," and had also hinted that they should rival the royal guards of England in appearance and attire. The governor was pleased with the suggestion, for he loved display, and commissioned Benedict Arnold to put into effect his suggestion, and to take the rank of captain. Arnold cared less for the career of a merchant than ever. He designed a uniform which should outshine even the famous Life Guards of London in splendor. Buckling on a sword, he would pose before a mirror and salute his own reflected image in the glass. Gathering around him a number of well-connected young men, men of good figure and tall in stature, he proceeded to impress upon them his own importance, and made them believe that all the honor of their position depended upon his favor. Arnold was a favorite, and so the young men of New Haven accepted his authority and became the willing followers of Capt. Arnold. The governor threw a wet blanket on his scheme when he told him that if the guards wanted uniforms they must purchase them, for the funds of the colony could not be used for such a purpose. Arnold had to moderate his gorgeousness and accept a much plainer uniform for his guards. The company was formed, and drill commenced. The young captain showed that he knew more about the manual of arms than he did of mercantile practices. The militia grumbled at the harshness of the discipline, but a few words from their captain won them over. When the war commenced Arnold was a strong royalist, or tory.