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CHAPTER XV.
THE HERO OF TICONDEROGA.
Arnold appeared to agree with every suggestion made by Allen, and noman could be more pleasant.
Not one atom of distrust of Arnold was to be found in the whole of themountaineer's mind.
Certainly he had no reason for it save the strong distrust manifestedby Remember Baker because of the stories Martha had brought from NewHaven.
On the evening of the ninth of May the combined forces of Allen andArnold appeared on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, oppositeTiconderoga.
The march had been so well planned and executed that the English had noknowledge of the movement of the Mountain Boys.
A difficulty, which had not been foreseen, had to be overcome.
There were only three small boats in which the men could be conveyedacross the lake.
Usually there was quite a fleet of boats there, but the soldiers hadtaken most of the boats farther up the lake.
Arnold suggested the construction of rafts, but the felling of treesmight make so much noise that the attention of the garrison might becalled to it and the whole plan fail.
Men were sent up the shore to search for boats, while others wereinstructed to look for anything which could be utilized for rafts.
Half the night was wasted in the vain search, and some of the boys werediscouraged.
Allen called the leaders together and asked the simple question:
"What shall we do?"
Let it not be thought that he hesitated. No, Ethan Allen never didthat; he knew just what would be best, but he also knew that the menwere more confident if they were consulted.
Eli Forest was the first to answer.
"It is impossible for us to cross, so I think it would be best toretire into the woods and fell trees, so that we might fashion rafts."
"How long would that delay us?"
"Not more than a week."
"What say you, Baker?"
"I do not like delay, yet--Ticonderoga is strong, and ten men couldhold the place against a hundred."
"And you, Col. Arnold?"
"I am a soldier, and am ready to follow my superior. What he orders Ishall loyally help to carry out."
"We will all do that," said Baker, half ashamed that he had shown anyshadow of doubt about the advisability of attacking the fort.
"I know you are all true soldiers," replied Allen, "and I am ready tolead you against the fort. I think we can breakfast on the rationsEngland has provided."
"Lead on and we will follow."
"Forest, do you pick the men in your company who have the strongestnerves and the pluckiest spirits to cross first; take the largest ofthe two large boats and get as many of the men over as possible."
"It shall be done."
"And you, Baker, follow the same instruction in reference to theMountain Boys. The small boat we will reserve for Col. Arnold andmyself. When you reach the other side, remember that there must not bea sound. No word must be uttered, no fire made, but let every man liein the long grass and wait for orders."
