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THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS.
"What news?"
"Welcome back, Ethan. Is it good news?"
"Ay, man, tell us; what say the men in Albany?"
Ethan Allen jumped from his horse, and stood among his countrymen, themost honored man among them.
He had been sent to Albany to represent the farmers who held the landsfrom the governor of New Hampshire.
New York had commenced a suit against New Hampshire, and the trial wasin Albany.
"Men, I know not whether you call the news good or bad, but it is justas I tell you; New York has won."
"And all our titles are upset?"
"Ay, that is just what it means."
"What are we to do?"
"I know not what you will do; I know what I shall do."
"What will you do, Ethan?"
"When the sheriff comes to dispossess me I shall be there with mymusket, and if I fall Ira will be there, and if he falls Ebenezer willhave a musket, and if he, too, falls, then John will try what he cando. That is what I shall do."
"But the decision says that New York is in the right."
"Courts have made mistakes before, and the strong right arm of goodmountaineers have set them right."
"What said they in Albany?"
Allen told them of the trial, and then, with a glow on his face, headded:
"They told me that the gods were against me, and I retorted that thegods of the valleys are not the gods of the hills."
"Bravo, Ethan! you are a brave chap."
"If I had a score of men I would tell the New Yorkers to stay at home,and, if they did not, I would send them home."
"A score, did you say?"
"Ay, a score would do."
"Count me one."
"Just as I expected, Seth Warner; you know no danger when homes are tobe protected."
"I shall join you."
"Why, Peleg Sunderland! you know what you will risk?"
"My neck, I guess; but, as I have only one, the risk is not much."
This was said with such seriousness that the people could not helplaughing.
"Don't forget me," said Remember Baker.
