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"That is just it; he might be serviceable when you wanted a messagesent."
"I will see him."
Ira went to the door.
"Come in, Eben. The colonel will talk to you."
Ethan had no idea that the youth was outside, and he blushed like agirl as he thought the boy might have heard all he said.
Eben Pike was an orphan, and was not generally liked by the people ofthe district, simply because he was unlike the general run of boys.
He was very effeminate, and with his hair worn long, looked more like agirl than a boy of sixteen.
He was soft and gentle in his dealings with everyone. He had oftenshuddered as he saw a sheep killed by the butcher, and refused to huntbecause it was cruel.
It was a strange freak for him to take, when he expressed his wish tojoin the mountain boys, and Ethan could not understand it.
"Well, Eben, I hear that you are ambitious."
"No, Master Allen, not ambitious, but I want only to be of some use."
"Can you fight?"
"I do not want to do so, but if we have to--well, I'd do my best."
"None of us could do more. Why do you wish to join the boys?"
Eben's face was scarlet; he hung his head, and looked very sheepish.
"Because, sir, the boys all say I am girlish, and I want to prove thatI am no girl."
"But you might get hurt."
"I can stand that. When the bear attacked me last summer he torepieces out of my thighs. Did I complain?"
"No, Eben, I will give you credit for pluck. As to joining us, why, Iwill think over that."
"Thank you. I am sure I could be of use to you."
CHAPTER III.
A CHILD OF NATURE.
Several weeks had passed since Eben Pike had signified his wish to jointhe ranks of the Green Mountain Boys, and not once had he been summonedto take part in their drills.
"It is always the same," he murmured; "they think me too girlish formen's work. I will show them yet that I can be of use."
Every day he wandered through the country, and even crossed into NewYork Colony, hoping to find out if any attempt was to be made to carryout the decision of the courts.
One bright day in May he reached Eagle Bridge, as the point is stillcalled, when he saw a number of men carrying muskets half concealed,and walking toward the mountains.
He kept up with them, eager to know where they were going and what wastheir errand.
They sat down under some trees to eat their mid-day meal, and Ebencrept close to them.
"We'll bag the two to-day, just see if we don't," said one of the men."Zounds! I'd give a crown to have Ethan Allen in a line with mymusket."
"You are more likely to look down the barrel of his," retorted another,laughing.
