The Hero of Ticonderoga; or, Ethan Allen and His Green Mountain BoysDe Morgan, John
History
The Hero of Ticonderoga; or, Ethan Allen and His Green Mountain Boys
De Morgan, John
Allen, Ethan, 1738-1789 -- Juvenile fiction; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Juvenile fiction
"You say that you believe that miserable reptile, instead of this
honest man? Beside, think of the illogical position. If this man is a
spy, you have to admit that there is a war between your people and his,
and that your government denies."
"I am a soldier and must obey orders."
Allen rose in the dignity of his manhood, and rather startled his own
friends by saying:
"I never asked a man yet to disobey orders. Do your duty. I will go
with you to Sabrevous; but, mark me, I shall hold your government
responsible for my loss of time and for the indignity of this arrest."
Eben Pike had not been under arrest, and now he stood at the door,
waiting developments. He saw clearly what should be done. If Allen
was condemned, then Montgomery must be informed, and a quick move made
on Sabrevous and Allen liberated.
The procession was formed and Eben walked at a little distance from the
party, apparently taking no more interest in the affair than one of
idle curiosity.
The accuser was pinioned, a musket being secured under his arms across
his back, but Allen and his friends were allowed to march entirely
unfettered.
The monk, whom we have recognized as the "mad monk" who rescued Martha
Baker, walked by the side of the sergeant, while Remember Baker walked
with Allen, the soldiers marching in front and rear of the small party.
"How did you know that he was a murderer?" Baker whispered, pointing to
the miserable informer.
"I cannot tell. I felt that he was. I had but one thing to guide me.
A trapper was found murdered near Ticonderoga, and I heard that the one
last seen with him was a fellow who could talk French as well as
English, and I guessed this man might be the one, so I hazarded the
accusation, and struck the bull's-eye."
"What will become of us?"
"Cannot say; but Eben is on the alert, and unless they shoot us without
the usual twenty-four hours' reprieve, he will have Montgomery come to
our rescue."
"Did you give him instructions?"
"Only general ones; he is wide awake, and knows just as well as I do
what ought to be done."
"Don't you think the 'mad monk' will betray us?"
"No; he is a sympathizer with our cause, and---- Let us change the
subject; one of these soldiers is getting suspicious."
When the party reached Sabrevous the sergeant handed his prisoners over
to the proper authorities and reported that he was convinced that a
mistake had been made, and that the prisoners were peaceful merchants
and not American rebel spies.
The monk was examined in secret, and he also bore testimony to the
truth and honor of the chief prisoner.
The accuser was called and asked about the murder he had committed, and
under the terror of the accusation he made a full confession, but asked
for mercy, because he had followed Ethan Allen and handed him over to
the authorities.
His plea for mercy helped Allen, for the English officer believed that
the accusation against Allen was only made to obtain favor with the
authorities.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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