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"Yes; we are in a strange predicament. We have cut loose from themother country, and the new country will not have us."
"That is one way of looking at the matter."
"Is it not the true one?"
"It may be."
"Well, why not pledge ourselves to remain neutral?"
"To remain neutral?"
"Yes. If we were to call a convention and pass a resolution to theeffect that in the war between England and the colonies--I beg pardon,States--Vermont would remain absolutely neutral, we should be in a goodposition."
"In what way?"
"England would protect us against New York, and we could protectourselves against New Hampshire."
"And you would ask me to make terms with England?"
"Why not? You do not believe that Washington will succeed. He cannot.England will triumph. The best men feel that it will be so. BenedictArnold told me it was only a question of time and terms."
"Indeed!"
"Yes; he knows that all Washington is fighting for now is to get thebest terms he can from Great Britain."
"Arnold told you this?"
"Well, no, not exactly in those words. But let me carry toheadquarters your pledge of neutrality."
"Mr. Robinson, you may be honest in this, but I am afraid you are beingmade a tool of some designing person. Carry this back with you"--Allenstood up and folded his arms defiantly, as he said: "Tell England thatEthan Allen will never be neutral, never make terms with England, butwill fight her power as long as he lives! Good-day, and never enter myhouse again as the agent of England."
Beverly Robinson retired second in the contest. Allen had won.
Though the tory had failed, he felt a respect for Allen, who had beenso bold and courageous, and, though Allen never knew it, he was themeans of saving Vermont from any attacks of the British.
Allen served his State and defended it against enemies without andwithin. He lived to see it recognized as a State, free and independent.
He also witnessed, with shame, the treachery of Benedict Arnold, andwas glad that he had never recognized the traitor as a man of honor.
In the annals of the Revolution the name of Ethan Allen will ever shineconspicuously, and, though he fought but few battles, and remained inthe army but a few months, England hated the mention of his name, andlooked upon him as one of the men who fired the hearts of the Americansand encouraged them in the demand for freedom.
In the hearts of his countrymen he will ever be held in the highestestimation, and all ages will greet the Green Mountain Boy as the "Heroof Ticonderoga."
THE END.
