He wanted the guards to be recognized by England as a part of the royal forces. In fancy he saw himself driving the "rebels" into the sound and being sent for to London to receive the thanks of the king in person; he imagined himself promoted to the rank of general, and perhaps made life governor of one of the colonies. But the airy castles he built fell to the ground when he was bluntly told that the king could do without his "guards," and that when there was need of soldiers the king could provide them. From that moment Arnold resolved on throwing in his lot with the very men he had asked permission to shoot down. He became a "rebel." When the news of the battle of Lexington reached New Haven he clapped his hands and became more excited than he had ever known himself to be. He called his guards together, and in an impassioned speech bade them be ready to march against the English, and win freedom for their native land and honor and renown for themselves. He denounced the king. He ridiculed the parliament. The tories were treated to such an outburst of eloquent denunciation that, had any of them heard him, they would have trembled. "Guards! soldiers of the nation! I salute you. To you is intrusted a banner which must ever be kept in the front of the battle. Some of us may fall, but, if we do, our names shall be writ on our country's history in imperishable letters. To those who survive no honor will be begrudged, no reward will be too ample for a proud country to bestow. "We shall meet the foe. We shall cross swords with the hirelings of a tyrant. Our arms will be triumphant, for justice is with us, and God will bless our swords. To-morrow we march to Massachusetts, to join our brothers there, and all the world shall ring with the doings of the Governor's Guards of Connecticut." He fired his men with enthusiasm, and they were ready to follow him to death, if need be. Arrived at Cambridge, he was received warmly, but so was John Stark and his New Hampshire militia, and equally well did he find the men of Massachusetts greet Nathaniel Greene and his militia from Rhode Island. Arnold had expected a greater enthusiasm. In his heart he had fancied himself appointed general of the army of the Provincials, and therefore he was hurt when he learned that he was only one among many. "The king insulted me," he said, as he paced the floor, "the tories did not care for me, and now these Provincials treat me as if I were one of them, instead of being---- Well, what is it, Eli?" Sergt. Eli Forest, of the Governor's Guards, entered the room. "Captain, I have just heard that one Ethan Allen has undertaken to capture Ticonderoga, for which our governor has offered a thousand dollars for expenses." "Well?" "Would it not be well for us to join with Col. Allen----" "Eh?" "Do not think me rash, captain, but you have given me permission to speak as I think."