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One man, afterward one of the foremost to welcome Lafayette to NewYork, declared that it would be better to be the slaves of England thanthe friends of France.
"Better serfdom, degradation, death under England's flag than libertyif obtained by the assistance of France."
His fiery speech turned the tide of feeling against Ethan Allen and theinvasion of Canada, and the assembly absolutely refused to listen anyfurther to Allen.
Some were ungenerous enough to taunt him with suggesting the plan onpurpose to save himself from arrest.
Others wanted to know if he expected to be the general commanding.
"No, I should have asked permission to join as a private soldier, for Ihave no ambition to command even a squad."
"What, then, was your object?"
"I live to serve my country; I hope to see her free and independent."
Saying which, he left the hall, and his Mountain Boys were downheartedat the treatment he had received.
"Shall we return to our mountains?" asked Baker.
"No; at least I shall not. I shall journey to Philadelphia and seewhat the Continental Congress is doing."
"We will go with you."
"I shall be glad of your company, though maybe you have more urgentmatters at home to attend to."
"That was unkind, colonel," Seth Warner murmured.
"I meant it not so, believe me. I know that all of you are ready toserve your country."
Albany was left behind and the party started south for Philadelphia.
After a long march a place of rest was sought.
It was nothing unusual for a semi-military company to be on the march,and so the party did not attract any extraordinary attention.
A farmhouse seemed best suited for the refreshment and rest required,and one was found which seemed to answer all purposes.
Warner went forward to interview the farmer, and soon returned with thepleasing news that the party could have supper, rest for the night, andbreakfast in the morning for a most moderate sum.
The farmer was hospitable.
He killed some chickens and a young pig, and in a very short time theodor of cooking was very appetizing.
After supper the farmer insisted on bringing out several flagons ofgood cider, strong and old, for it was the last year's make.
Song and story enlivened the evening.
Warner told of the days when he had hunted the wild bear and met withsome startling adventures.
Baker recounted many a stirring episode in the life of a hunter, andAllen, who passed under an assumed name, kept up the interest bynarrating a story of ancient knighthood.
"Seems to me that there are as great heroes to-day as in olden times,"the farmer remarked.
"Yes, I suppose so."
"Now, in the troubles we are just encountering, there will beopportunities for heroism."
"Yes, and many a brave boy will sleep in a nameless grave."
