AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Only a few minutes did the struggle last, but the carnage was out ofall proportion to the number engaged.
Seven of Allen's men were killed, while the enemy lost twelve, and whatseemed remarkable, all who fell were dead. No one seemed to be woundedor maimed; death came to all who were stricken.
The return journey was a sad one, though from the point of view of asoldier it was glorious.
Montgomery congratulated the mountaineer on his bravery, and told himthat his record should be known at headquarters.
The next day the march was resumed, and through lack of guides the armytook a wrong course.
The vanguard, in crossing a wide stretch of what seemed level country,found themselves in a marsh, and up to their waists in water.
The worst of it was that the bottom was treacherous, for the soilseemed like quicksand, and drew them in until they had difficulty inraising their feet.
After considerable floundering about they got out of the marsh just intime to warn the main body of the army.
The adventure was amusing except to the participants, and many a laughwas had at the expense of the unlucky men.
After a number of strange adventures the army reached Isle-aux-Noix,where Montgomery intended to camp for a time.
Two days after reaching there Allen was delighted to welcome Eben Pike,who had promised to follow as soon as his strength was regained.
He looked as hearty as ever, though less effeminate than when he firstjoined the Green Mountain Boys.
He had a man's strength, though his appearance was deceiving.
He had such an excellent idea of topography that Allen knew he would beextremely useful to the army of invasion.
CHAPTER XXIV.
SECRET SERVICE.
Gen. Montgomery summoned Allen to his presence one morning early.
"Ethan Allen, you are the one man wanted in this crisis."
"What crisis? What can I do?" asked Allen, looking somewhat surprisedat the general's earnestness.
"We are about to invade Canada, and the people ought not to be hostile."
"I fancy you will find them to be so."
"That's just where you will be of value?"
"I do not understand."
"I want you to go into Canada and tell the people that we are not goingto fight against them, their country or religion, but only against theEnglish garrisons."
"And I suppose you mean enlist the French on our side?"
"If you can do so, yes."
"When am I to start?"
"As early as possible. Take some good interpreters with you, forFrench and Indians must be reached and converted."
"The less number of men the better."
"I agree with you, though you know the consequence if you fall into thehands of the enemy."
