The return to the Isle-aux-Noix was accomplished without any adventure, and Allen was warmly welcomed by Gen. Montgomery. The young Irish leader had just determined on the siege of St. John, and the information that Allen could give him proved very useful. The whole plan of campaign was discussed and considerably modified after Allen had given his views on the subject. The Green Mountain warrior suggested that the besiegers should be protected by what is termed circumvallation--that is, by a line or series of works surrounding the place, not to serve offensively against the place, but to defend the siege army from an attack from without. His plan was adopted and the work was intrusted to him. The English in St. John watched the preparations and laughed at the absurdity of the affair. "Those rebels think they can fight," said the colonel in command. "Let them make all their preparations, and we will blow them all into smithereens in no time." But as he watched the works proceed he was not quite so sanguine. "Who is leading the rebels?" he asked. "Gen. Richard Montgomery." "Montgomery? Not the Irish general who was with the British at Martinique?" "The same, Colonel." "By Jove! by Jupiter! he knows what he is doing. Who is second in command?" "Ethan Allen." "By Jove! we have blundered. We ought never to have allowed them to come so near. I thought that they were an undisciplined lot of peasants, who knew nothing about war, and would flee as soon as we opened fire on them." "Perhaps the rank and file will." "They dare not." "Why?" "I was with Montgomery at Havana, and I know that he would turn his gun on his own men if they showed any signs of retreating. He is the very devil when fighting." "What shall we do?' "I must think." The colonel had shown his anxiety more than he had intended, and he must have some time to recover his equilibrium. In a few minutes he had taken his glass and scanned the enemy's works. He saw the weak spots and gave orders that they should be charged. A regiment sallied out and marched with band playing and banners flying. Allen saw them approach, and at once communicated with Montgomery. Orders were given to defend the weak places and to be content in holding the line. The British had underestimated the courage of the Americans. They had yet to learn that men fighting for a principle were stronger than those who fought to obey orders. Allen knew that many of his men were raw, never having stood up before an enemy, and that when it came to fighting they might be frightened. He called his officers together and addressed them.