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Scarcely had they commenced eating when a knock at the back door causedthe farmer to drop his knife.
The door opened and a man's voice was heard:
"In the king's name surrender, Ethan Allen, and you, Remember Baker!"
"Treason!" exclaimed Allen.
"Trapped!" added Baker.
"Yes, rebels, and the reward will be mine!" shouted the farmer in ajoyous voice.
CHAPTER X.
ZEB'S DOUBLE DEALING.
"Scoundrel!" shouted Baker.
Allen was dignified even under such trying circumstances. He calmlywaited the pleasure of the soldiers, knowing that resistance wasuseless; but Remember Baker was impetuous, and would have fought evenagainst such odds if he had not been overpowered.
"Have you any cords?" asked the young officer.
"Ay, faith I'll get the strongest cords that ye ever saw," exclaimedZeb.
"You young imp, it was you who betrayed us," Baker said, bitterly.
"Yes, you are right. You see, I bear you no ill will," said the youngscoundrel, "but money is useful, and they perhaps won't hang you, andif they do--well, you've got to die sometime, and you might as wellmake us comfortable by your death----"
Zeke was a little ashamed of his part in the transaction, though he hadbeen ready enough to adopt his son's suggestion. But now that the deedwas done, he would not allow the prisoners to be insulted by Zeb, andthe boy's unfeeling remarks were cut short by a vigorous kick on hisnether part which completely lifted him off the floor.
"You said you'd never--hit--me," he blubbered.
"I never said I'd never kick you, and I'll kick all I want to, youyoung rascal!"
"No, you won't," the young hopeful retorted.
"Yes, I will, and if you don't get those cords in a brace of shakesI'll make you so you won't sit down for a month."
Zeb knew enough of his father to be sure that he meant what he said, sohe hurried to the barn, and soon returned with some strong rope, withwhich the two prisoners were securely bound.
The boy was a shrewd fellow, and as bad as any that lived in thoseparts. His father had not half the quick wit possessed by Zeb.
"Dad, get the reward," he whispered.
"Ay, who will pay me the reward?" he asked the officer.
"I will certify that you are entitled to it, and you can get it fromAlbany any time."
"Ay, so I must needs trudge to Albany. Must I go with the prisoners?"
"No, you have nothing to do with them now; they are in my care."
"So if they get away----"
"But they cannot get away."
"But if they did?" Zeb persisted.
"That would be my loss. You and your father have earned the reward."
