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"That man has a great brain," Montgomery remarked, as he told Allen theplan.
"To whom do you refer?"
"Gen. Benedict Arnold."
"What has he done?"
"He formulated the plan and sent it to Gen. Washington----"
"He did?"
"Yes, and the commander was so pleased with it that he wrote a personalletter to Arnold, thanking him and saying that the plan should be putinto immediate execution."
"And Arnold really took the credit, if credit there be?"
"Of course; why not?"
"I am not surprised, and yet----"
"You are not jealous?"
"Jealous? No, not of a thief."
"A thief?"
"Yes, a thief. I drew up that plan and copied it in duplicate, so thatif one got lost the other would remain. I took one copy to Albany andlaid it before the assembly."
"And the copy?"
"I left it at Ticonderoga."
"What became of it?"
"I do not know; at least I find that I know now, though I had nosuspicion. When I returned from the Continental Congress I asked forthe plan, and was told it had been lost. The truth is that Arnold tookit away with him."
"Gen. Washington shall know this."
"No, never mind. I care not who gets credit for the plan if it is onlysuccessful; but if I should fall let the people of Vermont know thatthe plan was mine."
"Rest assured of that."
"I have the original with me, and you shall read it, for I want no oneto accept my word for anything."
Allen was right. Benedict Arnold had read the plan, and had actuallyappropriated the copy and sent it in Allen's writing to Philadelphia.
Once he was asked about Allen's statement, and he replied that he hademployed Ethan Allen to make copies from his rough draft.
The young Irish general of division did not believe in loitering, andafter a day's rest at Ticonderoga the march was resumed.
Allen had joined, but having no commission, he was placed in rather adelicate position, though the very fact that he was, in a sense, afreelance, made him more valuable to Montgomery.
A promise was given that, should an opportunity offer, Allen was tocommand a regiment under Montgomery.
After leaving Ticonderoga the march was easy for two days, for thecountry was peopled by friends of the colonial cause; but after thatthe farmers were decidedly hostile.
There was great difficulty in feeding the army, and although thegeneral offered to purchase food, the tories refused to sell any.
Allen was commissioned to take twenty men and forage.
