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CHAPTER XIX.
NEWS FROM BOSTON.
Benedict Arnold had found his master.
This man, whose ambition was colossal, had imagined that the GreenMountain farmer would quail before him and surrender the command.
Arnold's ambition was plausible. What could a farmer know of militaryaffairs? True, Arnold had been a merchant, but then he had studied atYale and had made military subjects his special forte, and he had beencomplimented by soldiers of high repute.
Then, had not the English Capt. Delaplace told him he should be ageneral, and if he remained with the colonies he should have thecommand of all the forces the young nation could put into the field?
All this had made him believe himself a great man.
But he had encountered a greater.
Ethan Allen, mountaineer, farmer, amateur soldier, as Arnold had calledhim, proved to be the superior of the polished Yale graduate.
Arnold retired to his quarters, feeling very glum.
Allen sent for Seth Warner. He wanted some one on whom he could rely.
He told Warner what had happened, and the honest Vermonter suggestedthat Arnold should be placed under arrest and tried by court-martial.
But such a course Allen would not countenance. He felt that Arnold wasnot dangerous, and that he could afford to leave him to his ownconscience.
"I hear that cannon and ammunition was about to be shipped to NewHaven?"
"Yes, colonel; most of the spoil was to be sent there. We all thoughtthat it was by your order."
"Zounds, man! I never heard of it until young Eben told me just now."
"We all thought that he was obeying your instructions, and, therefore,why should we come and tell you?"
"That is so. Do not allow one gun to leave the fort."
Eben entered the room, and was out of breath.
"What is it, Eben?"
"If you please--I--have--news----"
"What is it?"
"I--have been--across--the lake. I----"
"Sit down and get your breath; you will be able to talk plainer. Nodanger threatens us?"
"No--I--don't think so."
Eben fanned himself and gradually became calmer. But he was so eagerto tell his news that he could not wait long enough to be quitecoherent.
"News from Boston," he jerked out; and at once Ethan Allen was as muchexcited as Eben.
"What news? Who brought it? Quick, Eben; don't you see how anxious Iam to hear all about it?"
"All the English army has landed at Boston, and they have hanged themen we loved. At least, I think so; I was in so great a hurry that Idid not wait to hear all."
"Who brought the news?"
