He was remanded to prison until the civil power could take him and mete out the punishment he merited. Allen and his party received the apologies of the officers for their arrest and detention, and were at once liberated. It had been a narrow escape, but they did not value their liberty any the less for that fact. Some weeks afterward Allen learned that the officers had been severely reprimanded for allowing the "rebel spy" to escape. CHAPTER XXVI. AN INTERESTING EXPERIMENT. Two days later Allen was not so fortunate. He had been talking to the people and urging them to remain neutral, allowing the soldiers on each side to fight out the issue, when one of the people of the little town, near which was a small fort, left the house and ran to the fort. "Ethan Allen, the rebel, is at my house," he cried, almost breathlessly, as he reached the outworks. Instantly there was commotion among the garrison. It was true Allen was dreaded by the British more than the men who were besieging Boston. He was a freelance, and it was never known where he might strike. His daring at Ticonderoga was not forgotten, and although no money reward was offered for his arrest, it was known that promotion would be the reward of those who captured him. A small force was sent at once to the farmhouse and Allen called on to surrender. The lieutenant who had been consigned to the lead was of a different nature to the sergeant of Sabrevous, for he would not listen to any speech. "I am here to arrest you and your party, and save your breath, for you will need it at the court-martial. Surrender or we shall make you." "We shall not surrender," answered Allen, calmly. Allen, Baker and Old Buckskin had got into a corner of the room and dragged tables and a heavy dresser in front of them. The English fired at the "rebels" and succeeded only in damaging the walls and furniture. Old Buckskin raised his musket, an old friend that had brought down many a bear and wolf in the forests; he patted it affectionately and took aim. Every movement was as calm as though the enemy was a defenseless animal destined to fall beneath the unerring aim of the hunter. The soldiers had reloaded and awaited the order to fire. The musket belched forth its leaden fury, and the lieutenant fell dead. "No use tackling small fry when the big uns are there," explained the hunter, as he reloaded. Allen and Baker had both fired their pistols and wounded two of the soldiers. "Let us charge them," suggested Allen, and almost before the words were uttered the little band of patriots had emerged from behind their barricade and were pressing the English toward the door. With their leader dead, and four more dead or wounded, the soldiers became demoralized, and throwing away their guns, ran just as fast as they would had a pack of hungry wolves been in pursuit. "Shall we pursue?" asked Baker. "No, we will return to the camp. I think we have done all we can this trip."