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THB 0U> MAN MARCHED DOWN THE STREET WITH SUCH A SWAGGER AS HE EVI- 
 DENTLY BEU6VED BEFITTING A SOLDIER. 
 
 Corporal 'Lige'9 Recruity p. t7. 
 
CORPORAL 'LICE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 A Story of Crown Point and 
 Ticonderoga. 
 
 By JAMES OTIS. 
 
 With Six Paee Illustrations by J. Watson Davis. 
 
 NEW yoek: 
 
 A. L. BURT, PUBLISHER, 
 
 JOHIH S. PRELL 
 
 Civil & Mechanical Engineer, 
 
 SAN FRAK CISCO, CAL. 
 
IDUCATIOjr LIBH, 
 
 CoPTRiOHT, 1898, BY A. L. Burt. 
 
 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 Bt James Otis. 
 
qsc 
 
 ^^'/<f 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. PAan 
 
 Recruiting 1 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 A Secluded Camp 29 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 An Unpleasant Surprise 45 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 The Letter 64 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 Natliau Beman 88 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 A Squad of Four , 112 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 Ticonderoga 141 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 An Interruption 169 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 A Bold Stroke 204 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 Crown Point 229 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 The old man marched down the street with such a swagger 
 as he evidently believed befitting a soldier 27 
 
 "Is it all right, Corporal?" Isaac asked timidly 67 
 
 " Silence in the ranks!" the Colonel said sternly 104 
 
 "But the Corporal wouldn't lie," Isaac said solemnly 114 
 
 Before he could speak. Colonel Allen cried: "I order you 
 instantly to surrender, in the name of the Great Jehovah 
 and the Continental Congress.". . . o o 168 
 
 "So the Fort has been taken by our People," Captain Baker 
 cried, clasping the messenger by the hand 238 
 
CORPORAL 'LICE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 KECEUITING. 
 
 There was great excitement among the 
 citizens of the town of Pittsfield in the 
 province of Massachusetts on the first day of 
 May in the year 1775. 
 
 Master Edward Mott and Noah Phelps, 
 forming a committee appointed by the Pro- 
 vincial Assembly of Connecticut, had arrived 
 on the previous evening charged with an 
 important commission, the making known of 
 which had so aroused the inhabitants of the 
 peaceful settlement that it was as if the 
 reports of the muskets fired at Lexington and 
 Concord were actually ringing in their ears. 
 
 These two gentlemen had with them a 
 
^ CORPORAL 'LIGtJ'S RECRtJlf . 
 
 following of sixteen men, equipped as if for 
 battle, and the arrival of so large an armed 
 body had aroused the curiosity of the good 
 people until all were painfully eager to learn 
 the reason for what seemed little less than 
 an invasiouo 
 
 When it was whispered around that Master 
 Mott and Phelps had, immediately upon their 
 arrival, inquired for Colonel James Easton 
 and Master John Brown, and were even then 
 closeted with those citizens, the more know- 
 ing ones predicted that this coming had much 
 to do with the warlike preparations that 
 were making in Boston and New York, 
 designed to put a check upon the unlawful 
 doings of his majesty the king. 
 
 When morning came, that is to say, on this 
 first day of May, it was generally understood 
 throughout the settlement that the Provincial 
 Assembly of Connecticut had agreed upon a 
 
COKPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUI'T. 3 
 
 plan to seize the munitions of war at Ticon- 
 deroga for the use of that body of men 
 known as the American army, then gathered 
 at Cambridge and Roxbury in the province of 
 Massachusetts, 
 
 The gossips of Pittsfield stated that one 
 thousand dollars had been advanced from 
 the Provincial Treasury of Connecticut to 
 pay the expenses of the expedition; that the 
 sixteen men making up the following of the 
 committee were recruits who had pledged 
 themselves to capture this important fortress 
 which formed the key of communication 
 between New York and the Canadas, and 
 that they proposed to march through the 
 country to Shoreham, opposite Ticonderoga, 
 recruiting as they went, with the belief that 
 on arriving there their force would be suffi- 
 ciently large to capture the fort. 
 
 The boys as well as the men were highly 
 
4 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 excited, as was but natural, by such rumors, 
 and a certain Isaac Rice, who prided himself 
 upon being fourteen years old, instead of 
 gathering with his companions, listening 
 eagerly to every word which dropped from 
 the lips of the older members of the com- 
 munity, conceived the idea of applying to 
 what he believed to be the fountain-head of 
 all information regarding military matters. 
 
 This supposedly wise man was none other 
 than Corporal Elijah Watkins, generally 
 known as ''Corporal 'Lige," sometimes 
 spoken of as **Master Watkins;" but always 
 to Isaac Rice, "the corporal." 
 
 He was looked upon as an old man when 
 he served under Abercrombie at Ticonderoga 
 in '58, and believed of a surety he was as 
 well informed in military affairs as Isaac 
 Rice, his ardent disciple, fancied him to 
 be. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. ^ 
 
 Ever ready to give advice on important 
 matters; not backward about criticising the 
 alleged mistakes of his superiors, and hold- 
 ing himself as with the idea that during the 
 late troubles with the French he had learned 
 all the art of warfare; but yet with such 
 possibly disagreeable qualities, Corporal 
 'Lige had shown himself to be a brave soldier, 
 willing at any time to do more even than was 
 his duty. 
 
 The old man was sitting outside the door 
 of a tiny log building which he called home, 
 smoking peacefully, much as he might have 
 done had the committee from Connecticut 
 never passed that way, and this apparent 
 indifference surprised the boy. 
 
 *'Why, corporal, don't you know what's 
 going on in the town? Haven't you heard 
 that they are talking of taking the fort at 
 Ticonderoga, and running the king out of the 
 country?" 
 
6 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 *Tirst and foremost, Isaac lad, are you so 
 ignorant as to think the king is here in this 
 'ere province to be run out? An' then agin, 
 can't you realize that talkin's one thing an' 
 doin's another?" 
 
 **Yes; but, corporal, haven't you heard the 
 news?" 
 
 **If you mean so far as concerns the com- 
 mittee from Connecticut, Isaac, I have heard 
 it, aijd what's more. Master Noah Phelps 
 talked with me before ever he went to see 
 Colonel Easton. He knew where he could 
 get information about Ticonderoga, for bless 
 your soul, lad, wasn't I there in '58? An' 
 would you find a stick or stone around the 
 place that I can't call to mind?" 
 
 **Did Master Phelps come to see you first?" 
 
 **Well, yes, lad, it 'mounted to much the 
 same thing. I was down the road when he 
 Cpme into town, an' seein' me be act^d like 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 7 
 
 as if a great load had been lifted off his shoul- 
 ders, 'cause he knowed I could tell him a 
 thing or two if I was minded. *Good-evenin' 
 to you, Corporal 'Lige,' he said sweet as 
 honey in the honeycomb, and I passed the 
 time of day with him, kind of suspicionin' 
 something of this same business was goin' 
 on. *Want to take a little trip up through 
 the country?' he asked friendly-like, and do 
 you know, lad, the whole plan come to me in 
 a minute, an' I says to him, says I, * Master 
 Phelps, you can count me in, if it so be yo're 
 goin' toward the lakes.' * That's where 
 we're bound for. Corporal 'Lige,' says he, 
 *and I'll put your name down.' I said, says 
 I, *It's rations, an' somethin' in the way of 
 pay, I reckon?' an' he allowed as that part of 
 it would be all fixed, especially with me, 
 'cause you see, lad, it wouldn't be much 
 good for these people what never knew any- 
 
8 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 thing 'bout war, to start out leavin' me 
 behind. Why, bless your heart, I allow that's 
 why they come through Pittsfield, jest for 
 the purpose of seein' Corporal 'Lige." 
 
 The old man ceased speaking to puff dense 
 volumes of smoke from his pipe, and Isaac 
 Rice gazed at him in wonder and amaze. 
 
 That the committee from Connecticut had 
 visited the town for the sole and only reason 
 of inducing the corporal to join the force, 
 there was no question in his mind, and now, 
 more implicitly than ever before, did he 
 believe that throughout all the provinces 
 there could be found no abler soldier than 
 Corporal 'Lige. 
 
 **Yes, lad, I'm goin' with the committee, 
 more to tell 'em what they ought to do, as 
 you might say, than to serve as a private 
 soldier, for you see I know Ticonderoga root 
 and branch. I could tell you the whole story 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRTJIT. 9 
 
 from the meanin' of the name down to who 
 is in command of it this very minute, if there 
 was time." 
 
 **But there is, corporal. The committee 
 are talkin' to Colonel Easton and Master 
 Brown now, and don't count on leaving here 
 before to-morrow." 
 
 **What do they want of the colonel?" 
 
 **I don't know; but they are stopping at 
 his house." 
 
 **I ain't sayin' but that the colonel is as 
 good a soldier as you'll find around here; but 
 bless your soul, lad, though it ain' t for me 
 to say it, he could learn considerable from 
 Corporal 'Lige if he waste spend a few hours 
 every now and then listenin'." 
 
 **But tell me all you can about Ticon- 
 deroga, corporal." 
 
 The old man looked around furtively as if 
 half- expecting the committee from Connect!- 
 
10 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 cut, or Colonel Easton, might be coming to 
 ask his advice on some disputed point, and 
 then, shaking his forefinger now and again at 
 the lad much as though to prevent contra- 
 diction, he began: 
 
 **In the first place the folks 'round here call 
 it *Ticonderoga' when it ain't anything of the 
 kind. The real name is *Cheonderoga,' which 
 is Iroquois lingo for * Sounding Water,' being 
 caljed so, I allow, because the falls at Lake 
 George make a deal of noise. The French 
 built breastworks there in '55, which they 
 christened Fort Carillon. Now you see it's a 
 mighty strong place owin' to the situation, 
 and its bein' located on a point which, so I've 
 heard said, rises more'n a hundred feet above 
 the level of the water. The solid part 6f it — 
 that is to say, the land — is only about five 
 hundred acres. Three sides are surrounded 
 by water, an' in the rear is a swamp. That 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. H 
 
 much for the advantages of the spot, so to 
 speak. Now I was there in July of '58 when 
 Montcalm held the fort with four thousand 
 men. Lord Howe was second in command of 
 General Abercrombie's forces, and Major 
 Putnam, down here, was with the crowd. 
 That's when the major wouldn't let his lord- 
 ship go into the battle first ; but banged right 
 along ahead until we come to the first breast- 
 works, finding it so strong that the troops 
 were marched back to the landin' place and 
 went into bivouac for the night. It was the 
 sixth day of July ; on the eighth we tried it 
 again; but the fort couldn't be carried, an' 
 the blood that was shed there, lad, all under 
 the British flag, would come pretty nigh 
 drownin' every man, woman an' child in this 
 'ere settlement. On the twenty -sixth of 
 July in the year 1759, General Amherst with 
 eleven thousand mQU. scared the French out; 
 
12 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 they didn't fire a gun, but abandoned the 
 fortification and fled to Crown Point. Since 
 that time the king's forces have held it." 
 
 **How many are there now?" Isaac asked, 
 not so much for the purpose of gaining infor- 
 mation as to tempt the old man to continue 
 his story. 
 
 "I can't rightly say, lad, though it's some- 
 where in the neighborhood of fifty. The 
 commandant is, or was when I last heard, 
 one Captain Delaplace, and it is said that 
 he's a thorough soldier, though I'm allowin' 
 he hasn't got any too much of a force with 
 him." 
 
 **Do you think the Connecticut gentlemen 
 can raise men enough between here and there 
 to take a fort which resisted General Aber- 
 crombie's entire army?" 
 
 **That remains to be seen, lad. If they are 
 willin' to act on such advice as can be got 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 13 
 
 from some people hereabouts, I allow there's 
 a good chance for it, more especially if the 
 Green Mountain boys take a hand in the 
 matter, as Master Phelps thinks probable. In 
 that case Colonel Ethan Allen would most 
 likely be in command." 
 
 **And you are really going, corporal?" 
 asked Isaac. 
 
 **Yes, lad, it don't seem as though I ought 
 to hang back back when I'm needed. If all 
 we hear from the other provinces is true, 
 you'll be old enough to take a hand in the 
 scrimmage before the fightin's over, so here's 
 a chance to serve an apprenticeship. If it so 
 be you're of the mind I'll take you under my 
 wing, an' by the time we get back you'll 
 have a pretty decently good idea of a sol- 
 dier's trade." 
 
 **Do you really mean it, corporal?" and 
 Isaac sprang to his feet in excitement, *'Do 
 
14 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 you really mean that I may go with you just 
 as if I was of age to carry a gun?" 
 
 **Ay, lad, if it so be your mother an' father 
 are willin', an' I can't see why they shouldn't 
 agree, seein's how they know the company 
 you'll be in. It would seem different if you 
 talked of goin' with the general run of re- 
 cruits/ who are green hands at this kind of 
 work." 
 
 **.But will the committee allow a lad of my 
 age to go as a soldier?" 
 
 "Isaac, my boy, when Corporal 'Lige says 
 to Master Phelps, says he, *This 'ere lad is 
 goin' under my wing, so to speak,' why J)less 
 your heart, that's the end of the whole busi- 
 ness. They've got to have me, an' won't 
 stand out about your joinin' when it's known 
 my heart is set on it." 
 
 **Will you come now while I ask my 
 mother?" 
 
 \ 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 15 
 
 **Well, lad, I ain't prepared to say as how I 
 will; but this much I'm promisin': Go to 
 her an' find out how she's feelin' about the 
 matter. If there's any waverin' in her mind 
 I'll step in— you see I'll be the reserves in 
 this case — an' when I charge she's bound to 
 surrender. But if it so happens that she's 
 dead set against it at the start, why, you had 
 best not vex her by tryin' to push the 
 matter." 
 
 Having perfect faith in the corporal's wis- 
 dom Isaac was thoroughly satisfied with 
 this decision, and after the old man had 
 promised to await his return at that point, 
 the lad set out for home at full speed. 
 
 Perhaps if Isaac had been the only son of 
 his mother he would have found it difficult to 
 gain her permission for such an adventure as 
 Corporal 'Lige had proposed. 
 
 There were five other boys in the family, 
 
16 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 and Isaac was neither the oldest nor the 
 youngest. 
 
 The fact that Mrs. Kice had so many did 
 not cause her to be unmindful of any, but 
 less timorous perhaps, about parting with 
 one. 
 
 However it may be, the lad gained the 
 desired permission providing his father would 
 assent, and this last was little more than a 
 formality. 
 
 Master Eice was found among the throng of 
 citizens in front of the inn where recruiting 
 was going on briskly. 
 
 The opportunity served to give the good 
 man a certain semblance of patriotism when 
 he showed himself willing that one of his 
 sons should go for a soldier, and he would 
 have had the boy sign the rolls then and 
 there, but that Isaac demurred. 
 
 It was not in his mind to enlist save in the 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 17 
 
 company and after being again assured of the 
 corporal's protection, therefore he insisted 
 on presenting himself as the old man's recruit 
 rather than his father's offering. 
 
 Corporal 'Lige was well pleased when 
 Isaac returned with a detailed account of all 
 that had taken place, and said approvingly: 
 
 **You have shown yourself to be a lad of 
 rare discretion, Isaac Rice, and I will take it 
 upon myself to see that such forethought 
 brings due reward. Suppose you had signed 
 the rolls at the inn? What would you be 
 then? Nothin' more than a private." 
 
 **But that is all I shall be when I sign them 
 with you, corporal." 
 
 **It may appear that way, I'm free to admit 
 lad ; but still you will be a deal higher than 
 any non-commissioned officer, because you'll 
 be under my wing, and when we have taken 
 Ticonderoga, though I ain't admitting that's 
 
18 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 the proper name of the fort — when we've 
 taken that, I say, you'll be fit for any kind of 
 a commission that you're qualified to hold." 
 
 **Yes," Isaac replied doubtfully, and then 
 he fell to speculating as to whether even 
 though Corporal 'Lige did not **take him 
 under his wing," he might not be fit to fill 
 any position for which **he was qualified." 
 
 While he was thus musing a messenger 
 came from Master Phelps saying the recruit- 
 ing was coming to an end in this town, and 
 the party would set out that same afternoon 
 on their way to Bennington, expecting to 
 enlist volunteers from Colonel Easton's regi- 
 ment of militia as they passed through the 
 country, 
 
 ** Never you fear but that I'll be right at 
 my post of duty when the command is given 
 to form ranks," Corporal 'Lige said to the 
 messenger, and after the latter had departed 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 19 
 
 he added as he turned to the boy, **Now, 
 Isaac, lad, you can see what they think of 
 Corporal 'Lige. Colonel Easton and Master 
 Brown are hangin' 'round the inn instead of 
 waitin' for the committee to visit them. An* 
 what do I do? Why, I stay quietly here, 
 knowin' they can't well get along without 
 me, an' instead of coolin' my heels among a 
 lot of raw recr,uits, I'm sent for when the 
 time is come, as if I was a staff officer. 
 That's one thing you want to bear in mind. 
 If you don't count yourself of any impor- 
 tance, other people are mighty apt to pass 
 you by as a ne'er-do-well." 
 **But I haven't enlisted yet, corporal." 
 ** Of course you have. When you said to 
 me *I'm ready to go as your apprentice in this 
 'ere business,' it was jest the same as if you'd 
 signed the rolls. I'll arrange all that matter 
 with Master Phelps, my lad. Now do you 
 
20 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 hasten home; get what you can pick up in 
 the way of an outfit; borrow your father's 
 gun, and kind of mention the fact to your 
 mother that the more she gives in the way of 
 provisions the better you'll be fed, for you 
 an' me are likely to mess together." 
 
 **How much are you going to take, cor- 
 poral?" 
 
 *'That will depend a good deal on what 
 kind.of a supply your mother furnishes. I'm 
 willin' to admit she's nigh on to as good a 
 cook as can be found in Pittsfield, an' will 
 take my chances on what she puts up for 
 you, providin' there's enough of it." 
 
 **0f course you are to take your musket?" 
 
 **I should be a pretty poor kind of a soldier 
 if I didn't, lad — the same one I used under 
 Abercrombie," and he pointed with his 
 thumb toward the interior of the dwelling 
 where, as Isaac knew, a well-worn weapon 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 21 
 
 hung on hooks just over the fireplace. **It's 
 one of the king's arms, an' I reckon will do 
 as good service against him as it did for him, 
 which is saying considerable, lad, as Major 
 Putnam can vouch for. Now set about 
 making ready, for we two above all others 
 must not be behind-hand when the column 
 
 moves." 
 
 A fine thing it was to be a soldier, so Isaac 
 thought as he went leisurely from Corporal 
 'Lige's log hut to his home; he was forced to 
 pass through the entire length of the village, 
 stopping here and there to acquaint a friend 
 with what he believed to be a most important 
 fact. 
 
 Among all the lads in Pittsfield of about 
 his own age he was the only one who pro- 
 posed to enlist, and from all he heard and 
 saw there could be no question but that he 
 was envied by his companions. 
 
22 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 From the youngest boy to the oldest man, 
 the citizens were in such a ferment of excite- 
 ment as gave recruits the idea that to enlist 
 was simply providing amusement for them- 
 selves during a certain number of days, and, 
 with the exception of those experienced in 
 such matters, no person believed for a 
 moment that the brave ones who were rally- 
 ing at their country's call would suflPer hard- 
 ships or privations. 
 
 In fact, this going forth to capture the fcrt 
 at Ticonderoga was to be a pleasure excur- 
 sion rather than anything else, and Isaac Kice 
 believed he was the most fortunate lad in the 
 province of Massachusetts. 
 
 His outfit did not require that his mother 
 should spend very much time upon it. 
 
 The clothes he wore comprised the only 
 suit he owned, and when two shirts and three 
 pairs of stockings had b^en made into a par- 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 23 
 
 eel of the smallest possible size, and he had 
 borrowed his father's gun, powder horn and 
 shot pouch, the equipment was complete. 
 
 Then came the most important of the 
 preparations, to Isaac's mind, for he knew 
 the corporal would criticize it closely — the 
 store of provisions. 
 
 Had he been allowed his own bent the 
 remainder of the Rice family might have 
 been put on short allowance, for, with a view 
 to pleasing the corporal, he urged that this 
 article of food, and then that, should be put 
 into the bag which served him as a haver- 
 sack, until the larder must have been com- 
 letely emptied but for his mother's emphatic 
 refusal to follow such suggestions. 
 
 If Mrs. Rice did not shed bitter tears over 
 Isaac when he left her to join the recruits, it 
 was because she shared the opinion of many 
 others in Pitt^field, and felt positive the lad 
 
24 CORPORAL 'LIGE'8 RECRUIT. 
 
 would soon return, none the worse for his 
 short time of soldiering. 
 
 It was but natural she should take a most 
 affectionate farewell of him, however, even 
 though believing he would be in no especial 
 danger, and a glimpse of the tears which his 
 mother could not restrain caused an uncom- 
 fortable swelling in the would-be soldiers' 
 throat. 
 
 This leaving home, even to march away by 
 the side of Corporal 'Lige, was not as pleasant 
 as he had supposed, and for the moment he 
 ceased to so much as think of the provision- 
 bag. 
 
 **Now, see here, mother," he said, with a 
 brave attempt at indifference. *'Vm not 
 counting on doing anything more than help 
 take the fort, and since the corporal is to be 
 with us, that can't be a long task," 
 
 **You will ever be a good boy, Isaac?" 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 25 
 
 "Of course, mother." 
 
 "And you will write me a letter, if it so be 
 you find the opportunity?" 
 
 This was not a pleasing prospect to the 
 boy, for he had never found it an easy task 
 to make a fair copy of the single line set 
 down at the top of his writing-book; but his 
 heart was sore for the moment, and he would 
 have promised even more in order to check 
 his mother's tears. 
 
 Therefore it was he agreed to make her 
 acquainted with all his movements, so far as 
 should be possible, and, that done, it seemed 
 as if the sting was taken in a great measure 
 from the parting. 
 
 Feeling more like a man than ever before 
 in his life, Isaac set forth from his home 
 with a heavy musket over his shoulder, and 
 the bag of provisions hanging at his back, 
 glancing neither to the right nor to the left 
 
26 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 until he arrived at the corporaFs dwel- 
 ling. 
 
 An exclamation of surprise and delight 
 burst from his lips when he saw the old man, 
 armed and equipped as he had been in '58, 
 wearing the uniform of a British soldier, even 
 though by thus setting out he was proving 
 his disloyalty to the king. 
 
 * 'Well you do look fine, corporal. I dare 
 wager there are none who will set forth from 
 this town as much a soldier as you!" 
 
 **I reckon Colonel Easton will come out 
 great with his militia uniform ; but what does 
 it amount to except for the value of the gold 
 lace that's on it? All I'm wearin' has seen 
 service, an' though it ain't for me to say it, 
 I shouldn't be suprised if him as is inside 
 this 'ere red coat could tell the militia col- 
 onel much regarding his duty." 
 
 **0f course you can, corporal, every one 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 27 
 
 knows that, an' I'm expecting to see you put 
 next in command to Colonel Allen, if it so be 
 he goes." 
 
 **Not quite that, lad, not quite that, for 
 there's jealousy in the ranks the same as out- 
 side of them, though I warrant many of 'em 
 will be glad to ask Corporal 'Lige's advice 
 before this 'ere business is over. Now let's 
 have a look to your stores, and we'll be 
 off." 
 
 The examination of the impromptu haver- 
 sack appeared to be satisfactory to the old 
 man, and without doing more in the way of 
 securing his dwelling from intruders than 
 shutting the outer door, he marched down 
 the street with such a swagger as he evi- 
 dently believed befitting a soldier. 
 
 Isaac followed meekly at his heels, troub- 
 ling his head not one whit because he lacked 
 a uniform, but believing he shared to a CQr- 
 
28 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 tain degree in Corporal 'Lige's gorgeousness 
 and martial bearing. 
 
 The two came to a halt outside the inn, 
 standing stiffly at ** attention," and there 
 they remained until Master Phelps was 
 forced to go out and bid the old man enter, 
 that the formality of signing the rolls might 
 be gone through with, after which Isaac Rice 
 was duly entitled to call himself a militia- 
 man. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 29 
 
 CHAPTEE II. 
 
 A SECLUDED CAMP. 
 
 When these raw recruits departed from 
 the town — Corporal 'Lige insisted that they 
 did not march — they were followed for several 
 miles by nearly all the men and boys in the 
 vicinity. 
 
 The old man was greatly exercised because 
 Colonel Easton, who now assumed command, 
 allowed such an unsoldierly proceeding as 
 that his troops should walk arm in arm with 
 their friends, each in his own manner and at 
 his own convenience. 
 
 Had the corporal been invested with the 
 proper authority he would have had these 
 raw recruits marshaled into ranks and forced 
 
JJO CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 to step in unison, carrying their muskets at 
 the same angle, and otherwise conforming 
 themselves to his idea of soldierly bearing — 
 all this he would have had them do; but 
 whether he could have brought about such 
 a condition of affairs is extremely problem- 
 atical. 
 
 **I allowed Colonel James Easton came 
 somewhere near bein' a soldier, even though 
 he is only a militiaman," the corporal said in 
 a tone of intense dissatisfaction to Isaac as 
 the two marched solemnly side by side in the 
 midst of their disorderly companions, **and I 
 did think we could set out from here and 
 capture Ticonderoga, if all hands were willin' 
 to put their shoulders to the wheel; but I 
 take back that statement, lad, and am sorry 
 I ever was so foolish as to enlist. I ought to 
 have known better when I saw the crowd 
 that was signin' the rolls." 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 31 
 
 '*Why, what's the matter, corporal?" and 
 Isaac looked around in surprise, for until this 
 moment he had believed everything was 
 progressing in proper military fashion. 
 
 *' Matter?" Corporal 'Lige cried angrily. 
 **Look around and see how these men are 
 comportin' themselves, an' then you'll know. 
 Here are them as should be soldiers, seein's 
 they've signed the rolls, mixed up with 
 citizens till you couldn't tell one from the 
 other unless personally acquainted with all 
 hands. Then how are they marchin'? Why, 
 a flock of geese couldn't straggle along in any 
 more ungainly fashion." 
 
 **I shouldn't suppose it would make any 
 difference how they marched so that they got 
 there in time," Isaac ventured to suggest 
 timidly. 
 
 ** Shouldn't, eh? Then what's the good of 
 calling themselves soldiers? Why don't 
 
32 CORPOBAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 they start out like a crowd of farmers an' try 
 their hand at taking the fort?'* 
 
 **Well?" Isaac replied calmly. ''Why 
 shouldn't they? They are not soldiers, you 
 know, corporal, and so long's the fort is taken 
 why wouldn't it be as well if they didn't try 
 to ape military manners?" 
 
 The old man gazed sternly at the boy while 
 one might have counted ten, and then said in 
 a tone of sadness: 
 
 "It's a shame, Isaac Rice, that after bein' 
 with me all these years, an' hearin' more or 
 less regardin' military matters, you shouldn't 
 have more sense." 
 
 **Why, what have I said now, corporal? Is 
 it any harm to think that farmers might take 
 a fort?" 
 
 **0f course it is, lad. If anything of that 
 kind could happen, what's the use of having 
 soldiers?" 
 
CORPORAL 'LICE'S RECRUIT. 33 
 
 **But I suppose it is necessary to have an 
 army if there's going to be war," Isaac 
 replied innocently, and this last was sufficient 
 to completely fill the vials of the old man's 
 wrath. 
 
 That this pupil of his should fail at the 
 very first opportunity to show a proper spirit, 
 was to him most disappointing, and during 
 the half-hour which followed he refused to 
 speak, even though Isaac alternately begged 
 his pardon for having been so ignorant and 
 expressed regret that he had said anything 
 which might give offense. 
 
 During all this while the citizens of Pitts - 
 field were following the recruits in a most 
 friendly manner, believing it their duty to 
 thus cheer those who might soon be amid the 
 carnage of battle, and perhaps not one real- 
 ized how seriously he was by such method 
 offending Corporal 'Lige.. 
 
34 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 Isaac's father was among this well-inten- 
 tioned following, as were two of the lad's 
 brothers, and when these representatives of 
 the Eice family, having walked as far as the 
 head of the household deemed necessary, 
 were about to turn back, they ranged them- 
 selves either side of the corporal and his 
 pupil, in order to bid the latter farewell. 
 
 **i expect you will give a good account of 
 yourself, Isaac, when it comes to fighting, 
 and I feel all the more confident in regard to 
 it because you are under the wing of a man 
 who knows what it is to be a soldier." 
 
 This compliment was intended for Cor- 
 poral 'Lige as a matter of course ; but he paid 
 no other attention to it than to say: 
 
 **If the lad had profited by my teachings, 
 he'd know that he has no right to talk with 
 outsiders while he's in the ranks." 
 
 ** That's exactly it," Mr. Rice replied, 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. $5 
 
 wholly oblivious that the corporal was admin- 
 istering what he believed to be a most severe 
 rebuke. *'That is exactly it, my son, and 
 you will do well to remember that you can- 
 not fail in your duty so long as you take 
 pattern from the corporal." 
 
 The old soldier gave vent to what can be 
 described only as a '* snort" of contempt; 
 and the boy's sorrow was as nothing com- 
 pared with what it had been when bidding 
 good-by to his mother. 
 
 After the young Rices had turned their 
 faces homeward in obedience to the orders 
 of the elder Rice, Isaac gave more heed to 
 copying the movements of the corporal, 
 thereby atoning in a certain measure for his 
 previous injudicious remarks. 
 
 The boy firmly believed that no more able 
 soldier could be found in all the colonies than 
 this same Corporal 'Lige, and had any person 
 
36 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 ventured to remark that the expedition might 
 be as well off without him, Isaac would have 
 set the speaker down as one lacking common 
 sense. 
 
 Take the corporal out of the ranks, and 
 young Rice would have said there was no 
 possibility either Crown Point or Ticonderoga 
 could be captured. 
 
 Thus it was that an order from Colonel Allen, 
 Colonel Easton, or Seth Warner was as noth- 
 ing compared with one from Corporal *Lige, in 
 the mind of Isaac Rice ; but there were many 
 in the ranks who did not have such an exalted 
 opinion of the old soldier, and thes3 were 
 free with their criticisms and unfavorable 
 remarks, much against the raw recruit's 
 peace of mind, as well as the corporal's 
 annoyance. 
 
 It was because of these light-headed vol- 
 unteers, who saw only in this expedition a 
 
COHPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 37 
 
 novel and agreeable form of junketing, out of 
 which it was their duty to extract all the 
 sport possible regardless of the feelings of 
 others, that Corporal 'Lige withdrew himself, 
 so to speak, from his comrades, and barely 
 acknowledged the salutes of any save his 
 superior oflScers. 
 
 At the end of the second day's journey he 
 refused to go into camp with them; but 
 applied to the captain of his company for 
 permission to advance yet a short distance 
 further, at which point he could join the 
 troops when they came forward next morn- 
 ing. It was known by all the expedition, even 
 including those who were making the old 
 soldier the butt of their mirth, that he was 
 held in high esteem by Colonel Ethan Allen, 
 and the request, although irregular, was 
 readily granted, after a warning against the 
 perils attendant upon such a course. 
 
38 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **It is better you stay with the troops, cor- 
 poral," the captain said kindly, **although I 
 have no hesitation in saying you are free to 
 do as you choose." 
 
 *'And I do not choose to remain in the 
 encampment for all the young geese — who 
 fancy that by signing the rolls they have 
 become soldiers — to sharpen their wits upon, 
 therefore I would halt by myself, taking only 
 the recruit I claim as my own, for com- 
 pany." 
 
 **I will have a care that you are not 
 annoyed again," the officer replied in a 
 kindly tone; but this was not to Corporal 
 'Lige's liking. 
 
 **If a soldier can only keep his self-respect 
 by running to his superior officers like a 
 schoolboy when matters are not to his fancy 
 it is time he left the ranks. After we have 
 smelt burning powder I fancy these young- 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 39 
 
 sters will keep a civil tongue in their heads, 
 and until then I had best care for myself." 
 
 This was such good logic that the captain 
 could oppose no solid argument against it, 
 therefore the old soldier received permission 
 for himself and **his recruit" to form camp 
 wherever it should please him, provided, 
 however, that they remained in the ranks 
 while the command was advancing. 
 
 Not until after the matter had been thus 
 settled did the captain take it upon himself 
 to warn the corporal that it was not wholly 
 safe to thus separate from his companions. 
 
 **It is well known that our movements are 
 being watched by both Tories and Indians," 
 he said in a friendly manner, such as would 
 not offend the obstinate old soldier, **and 
 you can well fancy that they would not hesi- 
 tate to do some mischief to any of the expedi- 
 tion whom they might come upon alone," 
 
40 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **I can take care of myself, and also the 
 boy," Corporal 'Lige replied stiffly, as he 
 saluted his superior officer with unusual 
 gravity, and with this the subject was 
 dropped. 
 
 Then the old man said to his recruit, as he 
 motioned him aside that others might not get 
 information concerning his purpose : 
 
 * '.We'll draw such rations as may be served 
 out, lad, and then push ahead to where we can 
 be in the company of sensible people, mean- 
 ing our two selves." 
 
 Isaac would have felt decidedly more safe 
 if he could remain with the main body of 
 troops, for he had heard the captain's cau- 
 tion; but he did not think it wise to give 
 such a desire words, and by his silence signi- 
 fied that he was ready to do whatsoever his 
 instructor should deem to be for the best. 
 
 The rations served these volunteers who 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 41 
 
 proposed to reduce the forts at Ticonderoga 
 and Crown Point ere they yet knew a sol- 
 dier's duties were not generous, and he who, 
 from a desire to avoid seeming greedy, 
 delayed in applying for them, generally 
 found himself without food, save he might 
 be so fortunate as to beg some from his more 
 provident companions. 
 
 Corporal 'Lige was exceedingly friendly to 
 his stomach ; he made it a rule never to allow 
 modesty to deprive him of a full share of 
 whatever might be served out, therefore it 
 was he had drawn rations for himself and 
 Isaac almost before the troops came to a halt, 
 and the hindermost were yet marching into 
 camp, weary and travel-stained, when he said 
 to his small comrade : 
 
 ** There is nothing to keep us here longer, 
 and the sooner we are at a goodly distance 
 from these silly youngsters who fancy that 
 
42 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 the taking of a musket in their hands 
 makes them soldiers, the better I shall be 
 pleased.'* 
 
 Isaac gave token of willingness to con- 
 tinue the march by shouldering his weapon 
 once more, and the two set off, attracting 
 no attention from their companions-in-arms, 
 each of whom had little thought save to 
 minister to his own comfort, for this soldier- 
 ing was rapidly becoming more of a task and 
 less of a pleasure-tour than had been at first 
 supposed. 
 
 Not until he was fully a mile from the 
 foremost of the main body did the corporal 
 give any evidence of an intention to halt, and 
 then he showed remarkably good judgment 
 in his selection of a camping-place. 
 
 At the edge of a small brook about fifty 
 yards from the main road over which they 
 had been traveling, he threw down his knap- 
 
CORPORAL 'LIQE'S RECRUIT. 43 
 
 sack, and announced in a tone of satisfaction 
 that they would spend the night there. 
 
 **It is not too far away, and yet at such a 
 distance that we shall not be forced to listen 
 to the gabbling of those geese," he said as 
 he set about building a small campfire in 
 order to prepare the food he had procured. 
 *'Make yourself comfortable, Isaac Kice, 
 for it is a soldier's solemn duty to gain all 
 the rest he can." 
 
 *'Do you think we shall be safe here?" the 
 boy asked almost timidly, for it seemed 
 little short of a crime to question any propo- 
 sition made by the corporal. 
 
 **ISafe, lad? What's to prevent? If you 
 keep your ears open for stories of danger 
 while you are with the army, you'll never 
 know peace of mind, for there are always 
 those faint-hearted ones ready to exaggerate 
 the falling of a leaf into the coming of the 
 
44 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 enemy. I have as much regard for my own 
 safety as for yours, and I say that here we 
 can camp in peace and safety." 
 
 This was sufficient for the corporal's 
 recruit, and he set about making himself 
 comfortable, with the conviction that none 
 knew better than his comrade the general 
 condition of affairs. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 45 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 AN UNPLEASANT SURPRISE. 
 
 Surely this camping by themselves was 
 exceedingly pleasant, Isaac thought, as the 
 old soldier took upon himself the duties of 
 cook, leaving his recruit with nothing to do 
 save watch him as he worked. 
 
 On the previous night they had slept in the 
 midst of a noisy throng who chattered and 
 made merry until an exceedingly late hour, 
 thus preventing the more weary from sleep- 
 ing, and everywhere in the air, hanging like 
 clouds, was the dust raised by the feet of so 
 many men. 
 
 Now these two were in the seclusion of the 
 woods, with a carpet of grass for a bed; the 
 
46 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 rippling brook to lull them to slumber, and 
 nothing more noisy than the insect life every- 
 where around to disturb their slumbers. 
 
 Corporal 'Lige was in a rare good humor. 
 He prepared an appetizing meal, although 
 his materials were none of the best, and 
 when it had been eaten, seated himself by 
 Isaac's side with pipe in his mouth, ready 
 and willing to spin yarns of his previous 
 experience as a soldier. 
 
 The boy was an eager listener; but after a 
 certain time even the tones of the old sol- 
 dier's voice were not suflBcient to banish the 
 sleep elves, and his ej^es closed in uncon- 
 sciousness just when his comrade had arrived 
 at the most exciting portion of his narrative. 
 
 "Perhaps I shan't be so willin' the next 
 time you want to hear what I've seen in this 
 world," Corporal 'Lige said testily when he 
 observed that his audience was asleep, and 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 4t 
 
 then, knocking the ashes carefully from his 
 pipe, he lay down by the side of his small 
 companion. 
 
 It seemed to Isaac that he had hardly more 
 than closed his eyes in unconsciousness 
 when he was aroused by the pressure of 
 some heavy substance upon his hand, and 
 looking up quickly he saw, in the dim light, 
 three men standing over the corporal. 
 
 The foot of one of these strangers was 
 upon the boy's hand, as if he did not think 
 Isaac of sufficient importance either to war- 
 rant his taking him prisoner, or to so much 
 as step aside that he might be spared pain. 
 
 Before hearing a single word, Isaac under- 
 stood that these late-comers were no friends 
 of the corporal's, and he endured the pain in 
 silence, hoping that by so doing he might 
 escape observation. 
 
 It was hardly probable the strangers failed 
 
48 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 to see him, for he had been lying within a 
 few feet of his companion ; but that he was 
 not the object of their regard could be readily 
 understood. 
 
 The man who had thus pinned the boy to 
 the earth by his heel wore moccasins rather 
 than boots, otherwise Isaac would have 
 received severe injury, and as it was, the cor- 
 poral's recruit suffered considerable pain 
 before the foot was finally removed; but yet 
 made no sound. 
 
 So far as he could judge by the conversa- 
 tion, these strangers must have been in camp 
 some time before he was awakened, for 
 when he first opened his eyes they were in 
 the midst of an unpleasant conversation with 
 the old soldier, such as had evidently been 
 carried on for some moments. 
 
 **If he don't choose to tell, string him up 
 to a tree," one of the party cried impatiently 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 49 
 
 at the moment Isaac first became conscious 
 that matters were not running smoothly in 
 this private encampment. **A dead rebel is 
 of more good than a live one, and we have no 
 time to lose." 
 
 *'Hang me, if that's what you're hankerin' 
 for!" Corporal 'Lige cried in a voice that 
 sounded thick and choked as if a heavy pres- 
 sure was upon his throat. **Even though I 
 knew more concernin' this 'ere expedition 
 than I do, not a word should I speak." 
 
 ** We'll soon see whether you're so willing 
 to dance on nothing," the first speaker cried 
 vindictively, and then came noises as if the 
 man was making ready to carry his threat 
 into execution. 
 
 **Give him another chance," one of the 
 Tories suggested. *'Let the old fool tell us 
 all he knows of Allen's plans, an' we'll leave 
 him none the worse for our coming," 
 
50 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **I know nothing!" the corporal cried in a 
 rage. **Do you reckon the colonel would 
 lay out his campaign before me?" 
 
 *'It is said he did so before you left Pitts - 
 field." 
 
 ** Whoever says that is a liar; but even 
 though he had made the fullest explanations, 
 I would not reveal the plans to you. You 
 must think I'm a mighty poor kind of a sol- 
 dier if I don't know how to die rather than 
 play the traitor." 
 
 ** You'll soon have a chance of proving 
 what you can do!" the third man cried 
 angrily, and then it was he stepped forward, 
 V leaving Isaac free to do as he thought best. 
 
 That these three Tories were bent on hang- 
 ing the old soldier, or at least so nearly 
 doing so as to frighten him into disclosing all 
 he knew regarding Colonel Allen's plans, 
 there could be no question, and young Rice, 
 
CORPORAL 'LICE'S RECRUIT. 51 
 
 trembling with fear though he was, had no 
 other thought than as to how it might be 
 possible for him to aid his comrade. 
 
 It did not seem probable the men were 
 ignorant regardmg the boy's presence, and 
 the only explanation which can be made as 
 to why they failed to secure him is that he 
 was so nearly a child as to appear of but lit- 
 tle consequence. They evidently had no 
 thought that he could in any way thwart their 
 purpose, and, therefore, no heed was given 
 to him. 
 
 It can readily be imagined that Isaac did 
 not waste much time in speculations as to 
 why he was allowed to remain at liberty. 
 
 Now was come the moment when he might 
 repay some portion of the debt he believed 
 he owed Corporal 'Lige, and the only anxiety 
 in his mind was lest he should not do it in 
 proper military fashion. 
 
52 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 He could not even so much as guess what a 
 genuine soldier would do under the same 
 circumstances ; but he had a very good idea 
 as to how a boy might extricate himself from 
 such a difficulty, and lost no time in begin- 
 ning the work. 
 
 The three men were so busily engaged try- 
 ing to frighten the corporal into telling them 
 what he might know of Colonel Allen's 
 forces as not to heed the noise Isaac made 
 when he rolled himself toward the bushes 
 in that direction where the two muskets 
 had been set up against a tree under the 
 foliage in such manner that they might not 
 be affected by the dew. 
 
 It was impossible for him to say exactly 
 what these intruders were doing to Corporal 
 'Lige, but, from the noises, he judged they 
 had first made a prisoner of the old man by 
 seizing him around the throat, perhaps while 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 53 
 
 he was yet asleep, and now there was every 
 indication that they were making ready to 
 carry out the threat of hanging. 
 
 **Give him another chance to tell what he 
 knows," one of the men cried, and immedi- 
 ately afterward the old soldier replied : 
 
 ** String me up if you will, for there's no 
 need of waiting any longer with the idea that 
 I'm goin' to give you any information, even 
 if I have it." 
 
 **Then up with him!" the man who had 
 first spoken shouted, and Isaac, without 
 looking in that direction, heard the confused 
 noises which told him the enemy were trying 
 to raise the old man to his feet. 
 
 By this time the boy had his hand on one 
 of the muskets, and his first impulse was to 
 discharge it full at the intruders ; but before 
 he could act, the thought came that there 
 were two shots at his disposal, and he ought 
 
64 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 to SO plan as to make both of them count. 
 He believed it was necessary to work with 
 the utmost speed, lest these three Tories 
 should have hung the corporal before he was 
 ready to interfere, and yet a certain number 
 of seconds were absolutely necessary before 
 he could carry out that plan which had sud- 
 denly come into his mind. 
 
 With both muskets under his arm he crept 
 cautiously a few paces onward until screened 
 by the foliage, and then raising one of the 
 weapons, took deliberate aim at the nearest 
 enemyo 
 
 There was no thought in his mind that he 
 was thus compassing the death of a human 
 being. He only knew his comrade's life was 
 in danger, and that a well-directed shot might 
 save him. 
 
 The three men had by this time gotten a 
 rope around Corporal 'Lige's neck, and, find- 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 55 
 
 ing that it was difficult to raise the old man 
 to his feet, were throwing the halter over the 
 limb of the nearest tree as a method of 
 saving labor. 
 
 One of the Tories, he who appeared to be 
 the elder, and who was directing the move- 
 ments of the others, stood a few paces from 
 his comrades, and, taking deliberate aim at 
 him, Isaac shouted: 
 
 *' Throw down your weapons, and sur- 
 render, or you are dead men!" 
 
 The words had but just been spoken when 
 he discharged the musket, and a scream of 
 pain from the living target told that the 
 bullet had sped true to its mark. 
 
 The two men who were as yet unarmed 
 dropped the rope they were holding and 
 sprang toward their weapons, which had 
 been left on the ground near by ; but before 
 they could reach them, Isaac had emptied a. 
 
56 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 second musket, and another cry of pain rang 
 out. 
 
 ** Throw down your weapons and surrender, 
 or you are dead men!" he shouted again, and 
 at this the third Tory, who must have be- 
 lieved there was more than one man in the 
 thicket, took to his heels in alarm, while 
 Corporal 'Lige, who had received no worse 
 injury than a severe choking, seized upon 
 the three muskets which were lying close 
 beside him. 
 
 Even now, when two of the intruders were 
 wounded and the third running for dear life, 
 Isaac was doubtful as to whether he should 
 show himself. 
 
 He remained in concealment, while the 
 corporal gazed around him in surprise for a 
 dozen seconds or more, and gave no token of 
 his whereabouts until the old man shouted : 
 
 **Hello, friends! Show yourselves!" 
 
" IS IT ALL RIGHT. CORPORAL? " ISAAC ASKED TIMIDLY. 
 
 Corporal ''Lige's Recruit, p. 57. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 57 
 
 **Is it all right?" Isaac asked timidly, and 
 in a tone which was little better than a 
 squeak. **Is it all right, corporal?" 
 
 **Come in here, Isaac Eice. Can it be it 
 was you who fired those shots?" 
 
 The raw recruit came forward almost 
 timidly, and Corporal 'Lige, shifting the 
 three muskets he had taken possession of 
 over on to his left arm, seized the boy by the 
 hand. 
 
 **rve done a good bit of soldierin' in my 
 day, lad; seen surprises, an' ambushes, an' 
 attacks of a similar kind without number; 
 but never did I know of anything that was 
 done with more neatness an' dispatch than 
 this same job of yours, which has saved my 
 neck from bein' stretched. I'm proud of 
 you, lad!" 
 
 Isaac was overwhelmed by this praise, yet 
 not to such an extent but that there was a 
 
58 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 great fear in his mind lest he had taken a 
 human life, and he asked anxiously: 
 
 **Do you suppose I hurt either of them 
 seriously, Corporal 'Lige?" and he pointed to 
 where the wounded men lay. 
 
 **It is to be hoped you killed 'em both, so 
 that we may be spared any further trouble 
 with the vermin," and not until then did the 
 corporal condescend to give any attention to 
 those enemies who had been so sadly worsted 
 by a boy. 
 
 Just at this moment the wounded Tories 
 suffered more in mind than in body, for they 
 now understood who had made the attack 
 upon them , and it can readily be fancied that 
 both were ashamed at having been thus 
 defeated in their purpose by one whom they 
 had considered of so little importance that 
 no effort was made to deprive him of his 
 liberty when they surprised the encampment. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 59 
 
 It was with the most intense relief that 
 young Rice heard the corporal's report, 
 which was to the effect that he who had 
 acted as leader of the party had a severe but 
 apparently not exceedingly dangerous wound 
 in the shoulder, while his comrade was 
 suffering from a bullet-hole in the leg. 
 
 **They're disabled, lad, but not killed, an' 
 the first bit of soldierln' that you have been 
 called on to do is like to give great credit 
 with such as Colonel Allen and Colonel Eas- 
 ton. Tell me how you happened to think of 
 overcoming them in this shape?" 
 
 **I didn't think of it," the boy replied. 
 **It seemed to me you were like to be hanged 
 and I only did what was in my power." 
 
 **I came nigher to havin' my neck stretched 
 than ever before, an' as it was, the villainous 
 Tories pulled mighty hard on that rope, 
 before you effected the rescue; but, lad, you 
 
60 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 must have thought ! This attack you made 
 in such a soldierly fashion wasn't the result 
 of chance, an' that I'll go bail." 
 
 It was useless to make any attempt at con- 
 vincing Corporal 'Lige of what was only the 
 truth. 
 
 The old man was so determined to look 
 upon the rescue as a soldierly act that he 
 would not accept any other explanation, and 
 the boy ceased his fruitless efforts by asking: 
 
 "What is to be done with these two 
 Tories?" 
 
 **I reckon they must be got back to camp, 
 although it would be no more than servin' 
 'em right if we put an end to their miserable 
 lives without further parley." 
 
 **0h, you wouldn't kill them in cold blood. 
 Corporal 'Lige?" Isaac cried in alarm. 
 
 **No; I don't reckon I would, though that's 
 what ought to be done with 'em. It's plain 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 61 
 
 you an' I can't lug the two a matter of a mile 
 or more, so one must stand guard over 'em 
 while the other goes back to the camp. I'm 
 leavin' it to you to say which service you'll 
 perform, for after this night's work I'm 
 willin' to admit that my recruit has in him 
 the makin's of a better soldier than I can 
 ever hope to be." 
 
 The boy gave no heed to this praise at the 
 time, although later he remembered the 
 words with pleasure. 
 
 Now there was in his mind a fear lest the 
 corporal should desire him to guard the 
 prisoners, and, the more imminent danger 
 over, he was growing exceedingly timorous. 
 
 **ril go back to the encampment if it so 
 please you. Corporal 'Lige, because I can run 
 faster than you." 
 
 **As you will, lad, as you will. Explain to 
 Colonel Ethan Allen what has happened here 
 
Ca CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 and let him say how these venomous snakes 
 are to be treated." 
 
 During this conversation neither of the 
 wounded men had spoken; but now, as the 
 boy was about to set out for the encamp- 
 ment, he who had evidently acted as the 
 leader cried sharply : 
 
 **Hold on a bit! What is the sense of 
 sending us into your camp when we are like 
 to die? Why not give us a show for our 
 lives?" 
 
 **In what way?" Corporal 'Lige asked 
 sternly. 
 
 **By allowing us to go to our homes." 
 
 **That will do," the old soldier said 
 angrily. ** After your attempt to kill me I'm 
 not such a simple as to let you go scot free. 
 Get you gone, lad, and make the report to 
 Colonel Allen as soon as may be." 
 
 The wounded Tory continued to plead with 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 63 
 
 the corporal ; but Isaac did not wait to hear 
 anything more. 
 
 He set out at full speed down the road in 
 the direction where the troops were en- 
 camped, running at his best pace, and fearing 
 each instant lest that Tory who had made his 
 escape should suddenly come upon him. 
 
64 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 CHAPTER IVo 
 
 THE LETTER. 
 
 When Isaac was come within hailing dis- 
 tance of the few sentinels who had been 
 posted to guard against a surprise, he was 
 astonished at being halted after having 
 announced who he was, and the laxness of 
 military discipline can be understood when 
 it is said that, after being recognized by the 
 recruit at that particular post, the boy was 
 allowed to enter the encampment without 
 further question. 
 
 Colonel Allen was not better lodged than 
 his men. A lean-to formed of a few boughs 
 was the only shelter he had, and Isaac was 
 forced to search among the sleeping soldiers 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 65 
 
 several moments before discovering the 
 whereabouts of the commander. 
 
 Once this had been done it was but the 
 work of a few seconds to acquaint the officer 
 with what had occurred, and at this evidence 
 that the Tories were dogging the little army, 
 more than one recruit who had boasted the 
 loudest as to what he would do when the 
 time for fighting should come, turned sus- 
 piciously pale as he approached to hear all 
 Isaac was saying. 
 
 **Why did Corporal Watkins camp by him- 
 self?" Colonel Allen asked when the boy 
 concluded his report. 
 
 **Because some of the men poke fun at 
 him, allowin' that he's too old to be of serv- 
 ice, an' far too crochety to make any fist at 
 bein' a soldier," Isaac replied promptly. 
 
 **I wish from the bottom of my heart that 
 I had one hundred men like him, rather than 
 
66 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 some of the braggarts who do not know there 
 is such a work as the manual of arms," the 
 colonel said in a loud voice, as if desirous 
 that all should hear. *'Tell the corporal that 
 he will camp with this force in the future, 
 and I shall make it my especial business to 
 learn who it is that dares make matters 
 uncomfortable for him." 
 
 Then, to the captain of the company to 
 which Corporal 'Lige was attached, an order 
 was given that a squad of men be sent for- 
 ward to bring in the prisoners, and when this 
 had been obeyed the old soldier, as a matter 
 of course, returned with them. 
 
 From that night Isaac heard nothing more 
 regarding the wounded Tories. It was said 
 they had been sent back to Pittsfield under a 
 strong guard, and certain it is they disap- 
 peared from the encampment before day- 
 break, but neither the boy nor the corporal 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 67 
 
 could find a single man who had seen them 
 depart. 
 
 This incident, and it was hardly to be 
 spoken of as anything of importance, to- 
 gether with Colonel Allen's remark, served 
 to render Corporal 'Lige's life more pleasant, 
 for those who had used him as the butt of 
 their mirth began to understand that he was 
 superior to themselves, in a soldierly way, 
 and more than one sought his advice on 
 various occasions. 
 
 At sunset on the seventh day of May the 
 raw recruits had arrived at Castleton, four- 
 teen miles east of Skenesborough, and Isaac 
 himself has given the details of that strag- 
 gling march throuo^h the country, in the first 
 letter written to his mother after setting out 
 
 as a soldier: 
 
 **May the Eighth, 1775. 
 **My Dear Mother, Father, and Children: 
 **We have been camping here in this 
 
68 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 thicket since last night, and if there is any- 
 body in all the company more tired of sol- 
 diering than I am, I would like to meet him. 
 I wore a hole in the heel of my stocking on 
 the second day, and gob such a blister 
 because of it that I've been obliged to go 
 barefoot ever since. 
 
 *'We have had plenty to eat, for the folks 
 along the road were most kind; but it's 
 sleeping that has been the worst on me, 
 though the corporal says I never can hope to 
 be a soldier till I'm able to lay down in three 
 or four inches of water and get as much rest 
 as I would at home in bed. I tell him I don't 
 hope to be one any more, for I've had about 
 enough of it, though of course I shall stick 
 by the company till we've taken the fort, 
 and it's pretty certain we shall do that, 
 because now there are two hundred and 
 seventy men in the ranks. 
 
 ** Colonel Easton enlisted thirty -nine of his 
 militia before we got to Bennington, and 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 69 
 
 there we were joined by the Green Mountain 
 Boys under the command of Colonel Ethan 
 Allen. 
 
 *'It surprised me to find that a good many 
 of the people don't believe we are doing right 
 in trying to take away the fort from the 
 king's troops, and the corporal says that 
 unless this thing is a success we are all like 
 to be hanged for traitors, because his majesty 
 will make an example of them who are fore- 
 most in the work — which means us. 
 
 **Two hours after we halted last night Colo- 
 nel Benedict Arnold, who is said to have 
 gone from New Haven as captain of a com- 
 pany, to Cambridge, arrived here with a few 
 men and a large amount — so it seems to me 
 — of military supplies. 
 
 ** Although knowing that Colonel Allen is 
 in charge of this force, he claimed the right 
 to take command, and, so the corporal says, 
 made display of a commission signed by the 
 Massachusetts Committee of Safety, declar- 
 
70 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 ing that it entitled him to take charge of all 
 the troops. Now, although Vm not a soldier 
 — the corporal says I never will be — I've got 
 sense enough to understand that if I enlisted 
 under Colonel Easton, and was willing he 
 should give way to Colonel Allen so we 
 might have the Green Mountain Boys with 
 us, the Massachusetts Committee of Safety 
 have ^ot nothing to do with saying who shall 
 lead in the battle — though I hope to goodness 
 we shan't see one. 
 
 **The corporal says that no committee is 
 going to scare Ethan Allen, and it's certain, 
 so those of the Green Mountain Boys with 
 whom I've talked say, that this stranger 
 won't get himself into command of the com- 
 pany, even though, as is said, he brings one 
 hundred pounds in money, two hundred 
 pounds' weight of gunpowder, the same of 
 leaden balls, and one thousand flints, to 
 carry all of which, and himself, he has ten 
 horses. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 71 
 
 **Now, the corporal claims that these 
 things, including the money, are munitions 
 of war, and that if Colonel Arnold doesn't 
 deliver them over to Colonel Allen, they will 
 be taken from him, and he. Corporal 'Lige, I 
 mean, went early this morning to Master 
 Phelps, offering to see to it that this property 
 was delivered up to us ; but for some reason 
 or other — neither the corporal nor I can 
 understand what — his offer was not accepted. 
 
 **I have heard it said, and the corporal is of 
 the opinion it is true, that when the council 
 of war was held last night before this gentle- 
 man from New Haven arrived, Colonel Allen 
 was chosen commander of the whole expedi- 
 tion. Colonel Easton second in command, and 
 Seth Warner third. It was decided that the 
 greater number of us, with the principal 
 officers, would march from here to Shoreham 
 — which you know is opposite Ticonderoga — 
 and Captain Herrick with thirty men would 
 at the same time go to Skenesborough to 
 
72 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 capture young Major Skene, whose father, 
 the governor, is now in England; seize all 
 the boats they can find, and join us at Shore- 
 ham. Captain Douglas is to go to Panton 
 with a small troop, and get whatever craft is 
 in the water roundabout. The corporal says 
 he shall be quite well satisfied with this 
 arrangement, providing the remainder of the 
 plan is mapped out as he thinks right. 
 
 *' However, nobody seems to know whether 
 Colonel Arnold will manage to get his com- 
 mission from the Massachusetts Committee 
 of Safety recognized as good and sufficient 
 authority for him to lord it over our people, 
 and we ask each other what will become of 
 his munitions of war in case he doesn't, or 
 how may the plans be changed if he does? 
 
 **What I can't understand in this whole 
 business is why the corporal shouldn't be 
 the third officer in command, instead of 
 Master Warner, who I have no doubt is a 
 very worthy gentleman; but of course can- 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 73 
 
 not claim to be any sach soldier as Corporal 
 'Lige. He says there's always a lot of 
 jealousy among officers in the army, and 
 that's why he isn't to be given a chance to 
 show how much he can do. 
 
 •* The food I brought from home was used 
 up the second day — the corporal had what he 
 called a * coming appetite' — and perhaps it 
 was just as well, for I liad all the load any 
 fellow could want to carry. I never believed 
 before leaving home that father's musket was 
 so heavy ; I held it over my shoulder until it 
 seemed as if the flesh was worn right down 
 to the bone ; then lugged it in my hand till 
 my arm ached as if it was going to drop off, 
 and I verily believe I would have thrown 
 the thing away but that Corporal 'Lige said 
 a soldier didn't amount to very much unless 
 he had a weapon of some kind. 
 
 **The corporal says I am to give you his 
 dutiful compliments, and to say that if his 
 
74 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 life is spared, by the blessing of God, he will 
 capture Ticonderoga before we come back. 
 
 **As for me, I wish I was at home now, 
 though it will be a fine thing if we do what 
 the old man says is our duty in these times, 
 without being hanged. 
 
 **I haven't yet found out why people think 
 there is so much honor to be gained in being a 
 soldier. To my mind it's much like any 
 other way of running around the country ; 
 but the corporal says if he had the manage- 
 ment of affairs things would be different, 
 because he'd keep the men right up to their 
 work, though I don't see how it could well be 
 done. For my part, I shouldn't carry a 
 musket over my shoulder when I was lame 
 and tired just because any man said so. It 
 would be as well whatever fashion I lugged it, 
 providing the labor was lessened; but the 
 corporal says it would make all the difference 
 in the world if we marched the same as we 
 would at a muster. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 75 
 
 ''I love you all very much, and shall be 
 precious glad to find myself at home again. 
 **From your obedient and dutiful son, 
 
 ** Isaac Rice." 
 
 In this letter the young recruit, who 
 although having enjoyed the teachings of 
 Corporal 'Lige, was certainly not a soldier at 
 heart, has told the main facts in the case 
 regarding the halt of the militia at Castleton; 
 but it will be observed that his modesty was 
 too great to permit of his mentioning the 
 brave part he played in the rescue of Cor- 
 poral 'Lige from the Tories. 
 
 He has failed, however, most probably 
 through ignorance, in giving Colonel Arnold's 
 authority for claiming his right to lead the 
 expedition. 
 
 That officer had brought to Cambridge 
 from New Haven a company of which he was 
 
•^6 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 the captain, and upon arriving there at once 
 reported to the Massachusetts Committee of 
 Safety that it would be possible, before the 
 forts had been reinforced, to seize the works 
 at Ticonderoga and Crown Point with a com- 
 paratively small body of men* 
 
 He proceeded to organize an expedition for 
 such a purpose, and to this end was supplied 
 with the money and munitions of war men- 
 tioned by Isaac, together with a colonel's 
 commission, which gave him the chief com- 
 mand of troops, not exceeding four hundred 
 in number, which he might raise to accom- 
 pany him against the lake fortresses. 
 
 Upon arriving at Stockbridge, in the prov- 
 ince of Massachusetts, he learned that 
 another expedition had set out — that is to 
 say the same one Corporal 'Lige and Isaac 
 accompanied — and after engaging ofBcers 
 and men to the number of fourteen he has- 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 71' 
 
 tened onward, overtaking the militia as 
 Isaac has said. 
 
 In this camp where military discipline was 
 conspicuous by its absence, the recruits, who 
 had learned within the hour what had been 
 decided upon the night previous by the 
 council of war, soon ascertained the position 
 which the officer from New Haven claimed, 
 and knew exactly what he proposed to do by 
 virtue of his commission. 
 
 Even though the men had not learned such 
 facts from their officers, those recruits who 
 accompanied Colonel Arnold would have at 
 once made the matter public. 
 
 At about the time Isaac finished the letter 
 to his mother the encampment was in a state 
 bordering on insubordination. 
 
 Colonel Arnold's recruits raised in Stock- 
 bridge insisted that their leader should com- 
 mand the forces, not only because he was 
 
78 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 authorized to do so, but owing to the fact 
 that he had the money and ammunition 
 necessary to carry out the plan, while the 
 members of Colonel Allen's regiment, known 
 as the Green Mountain Boys were equally 
 determined that such honor as might be 
 gained should be their colonel's, and in a 
 brief space of time these new-fledged patriots 
 were ripe for riot. 
 
 Now was come the hour when Corporal 
 'Lige had shown him some portion of that 
 consideration which he believed due his 
 experience in military affairs. 
 
 Those members of Colonel Easton's mili- 
 tia regiment which had joined the ex- 
 pedition, jealous because their leader had 
 given way to Colonel Allen, now demanded 
 loudl}^ and publicly that * he must lead the 
 party or they would turn back. 
 
 Inasmuch, however, as this portion of the 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. '^'9 
 
 troops amounted to fifty or thereabouts, they 
 had a small showing when the Green Moun- 
 tain boys, who were more than two hundred 
 strong, came forth in turn with their threats. 
 
 Colonel Allen was to be retained first in 
 command, as had been decided upon the 
 previous evening, or they should march back 
 to Bennington without an hour's delay. 
 
 On the other hand, the men from Stock- 
 bridge insisted that Colonel Arnold was the 
 lawful commander because he was the only 
 one who held a commission for such purpose, 
 and threatened that neither money nor 
 munitions of war should be given up unless 
 his claims were fully recognized. 
 
 On this morning of the eighth of May the 
 men were divided into three divisions 
 according to their opinions, and it seemed 
 much as if the ofiicers were willing they 
 should settle it without interference, for 
 
80 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 those highest in command remained in 
 council among themselves, giving no heed to 
 the threats which were uttered here and 
 there until it seemed positive personal en- 
 counters must soon take the place of words. 
 
 The men from round about Pittsfield, recog- 
 nizing the need of a leader in what might 
 properly be termed a mutiny, selected Cor- 
 poral 'Lige as if by common consent, and 
 Isaac had but just written his mother's name 
 on the missive which had cost him so much 
 labor, when he and the corporal were sur- 
 rounded by the faction to which belonged 
 their neighbors and friends. 
 
 One of these, a butcher, whose home was 
 in Pittsfield, thus addressed the old man, 
 using at the beginning of his remark just 
 that compliment best calculated to please 
 him. 
 
 **You, who have had so much experience 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 81 
 
 in military affairs, Corporal 'Lige, should be 
 able to settle this matter without any great 
 loss of time, for according to my way of 
 thinking it must be arranged among the men 
 themselves, or not at all." 
 
 *'I have seen plenty of fightin', the corporal 
 began slowly, as if undecided what words had 
 best be used; **but it was in the king's army, 
 as you well know, and there every one in 
 command held their commission from his 
 majesty, which plainly said he was to be the 
 leader. Now it seems in this 'ere case that 
 the only oflScer who has any real authority is 
 the one from New Haven " 
 
 A chorus of derisive howls interrupted the 
 old man, and not a few of his neighbors 
 accused him of being a traitor because he 
 was apparently on the point of giving his 
 decision in favor of the stranger^ 
 
 Waiting patiently until they had exhausted 
 
82 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRtJIT. 
 
 their anger, and were silent once more, he 
 continued placidly : 
 
 **As I said before it seems to me the only 
 one with any show of authority is the officer 
 from New Haven; but," and Corporal 'Lige 
 emphasized this word, **but what do you 
 know of this 'ere Massachusetts Committee 
 of Safety? Accordin' to my way of figurin', 
 that body of men are lookin' out for matters 
 round about Boston, and we've got with us 
 recruits all the way from Pittsfield up to 
 Bennington, none of whom are given over- 
 much to heedin' what the Boston folks think 
 is right or wrong. Therefore I say, that while 
 the officer from New Haven seems to have 
 the only real authority, it strikes me that 
 his commission does not extend as far as 
 this 'ere spot, where we are encamped." 
 
 Again he was interrupted ; but this time by 
 cries expressive of satisfaction and good wilL 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 83 
 
 **We were the ones who started the idea of 
 taking the fort," a recruit from Pittsfield 
 cried, '*and that being the case I hold we've 
 got the right to say who shall lead us." 
 
 **But the Green Mountain Boys won't go 
 except their colonel is in command," 
 another added, and a third cried: 
 
 '*The men of Stockbridge will hold to Colo- 
 nel Arnold, and won't go on under another." 
 
 **Well, I've heard all that before," Cor- 
 poral 'Lige said in a tone of fine irony. *'If 
 you have come to me to repeat the same 
 story that has been goin' 'round the encamp- 
 ment since daybreak, why then you are 
 wastin' your time. If you want my opinion 
 so that this thing can be put right in short 
 order, hold your tongues, an' I'll give it." 
 
 **Let Corporal 'Lige finish." 
 
 •*He is soldier enough to know what should 
 be done." 
 
84 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **Go on, corporal, go on." 
 
 This evidence of popularity was most 
 pleasing to the old man, and smiling benig- 
 nantly upon those nearest, he said, with the 
 air of one who cannot be in the wrong : 
 
 **This is how it must be done: Let them 
 as come with Colonel Easton, stick to him; 
 the Green Mountain Boys shall hang to the 
 tail of Colonel Allen's coat, and the Stock- 
 bridge men may follow Colonel Arnold. 
 That makes three bands of us. Now, mark 
 you, lads, there are three sides to that 'ere 
 fort — one apiece. Let us meet here at what- 
 ever hour you will, and then start on the 
 minute, each troop taking a different course, 
 an' them who arrive first an' capture the 
 fortification, gets the credit." 
 
 **But we are needing what Colonel Arnold 
 brought with him," some one cried. 
 
 **Ay, and you would have heard me fix that 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 85 
 
 if you'd waited. Where did this 'ere Massa- 
 chusetts Committee of Safety get these 
 munitions of war an' this money? Why, 
 they got it out of the province, of course. 
 And where did we come from? Why, we 
 come from the province of Massachusetts, of 
 course. Then who does this money and 
 these munitions of war belong to? Why, 
 they belong to us, of course. Now, as near 
 as I have heard, there are only fourteen 
 following Colonel Arnold. How long will it 
 take us to lay our hands on all that stuff? 
 Then I guarantee that Colonel Easton — for 
 if he wants me to do it I'll help him in con- 
 ducting the campaign — will march straight 
 through an' take Ticonderoga before you've 
 had time to say Jack Robinson. Never mind 
 what the Green-Mountain Boys do, an' as for 
 the Stockbridge men, they ain't enough for 
 the countin'." 
 
86 CORPORAL 'LIGES RECRUIT. 
 
 The advice which Corporal 'Lige had given 
 met with the unqualified approval of all 
 whom he addressed, and instantly shouts 
 were raised in his honor until those recruits 
 who were not in the secret looked about them 
 in alarm and dismay as if fearing an at- 
 tack. 
 
 Isaac was frightened, of that there could 
 be no mistake. 
 
 It seemed to him as if an immediate and 
 unquestionably dangerous encounter could 
 not be prevented, for already were the men 
 hanging about Corporal 'Lige in a dense 
 body as bees hang about their queen when 
 swarming, all urging that he lead them on to 
 wrest from the Stockbridge men the 
 property which he had proven did not belong 
 to them. 
 
 Isaac glanced this way and then as if try- 
 ing to determine in which direction it would 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 87 
 
 be safest to flee, but at this moment his eyes 
 fell upon a lad of about his own age, who 
 had come in from the highway and was 
 staring about him in perplexity. 
 
88 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 NATHAN BEMAN. 
 
 In his fear and trouble it seemed to Isaac 
 as if this stranger might render him some 
 valuable assistance. 
 
 It was as if he stood alone amid the 
 recruits, now that Corporal 'Lige had been 
 claimed, so to speak, as leader of the Pitts- 
 field faction, and the lad needed some one to 
 whom he could appeal for advice. 
 
 Therefore it was that while the new-comer 
 was staring about him as if distracted by the 
 tumult, Isaac approached in the most friendly 
 manner as he asked: 
 
 "Are you a recruit?" 
 
 **What do you mean by that?" 
 
 **Do you belong to the soldiers here?" 
 
COEPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 89 
 
 **Do you call these soldiers?" the stranger 
 asked almost contemptuously. 
 
 **Well, if they ain't, what do you call 
 them?" 
 
 **They look to me like a crowd of folks 
 what was goin' to have a fight pretty soon." 
 
 **That's jest what I'm afraid of. Say, do 
 you live near here?" 
 
 **No, I came from Shoreham. We heard 
 there was a crowd comin' to take Fort 
 Ticonderoga, an' seein's how they didn't get 
 along very fast, I thought I'd come an' hunt 
 'em up. Do you count yourself a soldier?" 
 
 *'I did when I left Pittsfield; but I've 
 kind'er got over that feelin' now. What's 
 your name?" 
 
 **Nathan Beman." 
 
 **Mine's Isaac Rice." 
 
 **What made you come out with a crowd 
 like this?" 
 
90 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 "All the folks 'round our way was enlist- 
 ing, and they said it was the duty of every- 
 body to fight against the king. Besides that 
 the corporal was going, an' he agreed to put 
 me through in great shape." 
 
 **Who's the corporal?" 
 
 ** That's him over there with the red coat 
 on. 
 
 **Do you allow an old chap like him could 
 put anybody through in very great shape?" 
 
 **You mustn't talk like that about Corporal 
 'Lige where anybody will hear you. Why, 
 he's a regular soldier; fought under General 
 Abercrombie in '58, an' I reckon if it hadn't 
 been for him the king's troops would have 
 got it terrible bad." 
 
 ** An' that's about the way they did get it." 
 
 **Well, Corporal 'Lige is here now, an' it'll 
 be different. Did you ever see the fort?" 
 
 **See it? Why, I'm over there pretty near 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 91 
 
 very week. Our folks sell eggs an' chickens 
 an' such truck to the garrison, an' Iknow the 
 place jest like I do my own home." 
 
 **Do you s'pose we can take it?" 
 
 ** There seems to be a sight of you here; 
 but I shouldn't want to make a guess till 
 after I'd seen whether there's going to be a 
 row among all hands or not. Father says 
 when thieves fall out honest men get their 
 due." 
 
 However frightened Isaac might be, he was 
 not disposed to allow any boy of his own size 
 to call the members of this army thieves, 
 even though they were in a state of insubor- 
 dination, and forgetting all his fears he 
 demanded sternly: 
 
 **Who are you calling thieves?" 
 
 "Now, you needn't get so huffy, 'cause I 
 didn't mean anything," Nathan replied 
 quietly, and yet with no show of alarm; 
 
92 CORPORAL 'LIGES RECRUIT. 
 
 **but father is always sayin' that, an' I 
 s'pose it means — well I don't know what, 
 except that all hands of you are fightin' here, 
 » an' it looks like as if Captain Delaplace 
 would get the best of it." 
 
 •*Who's he?" 
 
 "The commandant of the fort, of coursCo" 
 
 **Well, see here, Nathan, it begins to look 
 as though there was goin' to be a row for a 
 fact, and I hoped you lived close by so I 
 could go to your house till it was over." 
 
 **But you're a soldier, ain't you?" 
 
 '* Not much of one." 
 
 "Well, if you've enlisted, a fight is right 
 where you belong," and Nathan appeared to 
 think this settled the matter beyond any 
 argument. 
 
 **I ain't so certain of that; but even if I do 
 belong in a fight I shan't stay in one. It 
 seems like as if Corporal 'Lige had turned 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. ' 93 
 
 me oflP, an' all he's thinking about is helping 
 our crowd get the best of the Stockbridgers." 
 
 *'Well, there ain't anything very dangerous 
 here yet awhile; suppose we wait an' see 
 how things turn? I don't care overmuch for 
 fightin' myself ; but that's no reason why I 
 shouldn't want to know whether there's 
 likely to be a row or not." 
 
 Isaac admired the courage of his new 
 acquaintance and immediately adopted him 
 as a protector, taking up his position a pace 
 or two in the rear of Nathan as he watched 
 the threatening movements. 
 
 The recruits from Pittsfield and vicinity 
 were standing in close order with the cor- 
 poral at their head, evidently ready for what- 
 ever turn might come in affairs. 
 
 Some of them retained their weapons ; but 
 the majority appeared to have more confi- 
 dence in their fists, and with arms bared to 
 
94: CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 the elbow were awaiting the word which 
 would precipitate them upon the small body 
 from Stockbridge who guarded the treasure. 
 
 This last detachment had either learned of 
 the advice given by Corporal 'Lige, or scented 
 danger because they were so few in numbers 
 as compared with the other two factions, 
 and were standing shoulder to shoulder ready 
 to resist an expected attack. 
 
 A short distance away the Green-Mountain 
 Boys remained strictly by themselves; but 
 not giving any sign of taking part in the 
 lawless proceedings. So long as Ethan 
 Allen was considered the head of the expedi- 
 tion they were satisfied to stand aloof from 
 any brawl. 
 
 As has been said before, the leading 
 officers were nowhere to be seen; some of 
 the better informed declared they were in 
 the shelter near by which had been used as 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S REOR0IT. 05 
 
 their quarters during the night, and with 
 Colonel Arnold were discussing the question 
 of superiority in rank. 
 
 Corporal 'Lige hesitated to give the word 
 which should precipitate the riot. 
 
 He had been elevated to the position of 
 leader and perhaps the responsibility weighed 
 heavily upon him, for certain it is that after 
 advising what should be done, he evinced a 
 disposition to retire from what might be the 
 scene of a conflict. 
 
 **Look here, old man, we're ready to do 
 as you have said. Now give the word and 
 lead us on to those recruits. We'll soon find 
 out what they're made of," one of the men 
 said as the corporal turned toward the rear 
 much as though intending to join Isaac and 
 Nathan: 
 
 ** Yes, give the word. This is your plan, and 
 we're ready to carry it out as you have said !" 
 
06 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 ** Fair an' easy; fair an' easy, comrades," 
 Corporal 'Lige said soothingly. **A good 
 general doesn't depend wholly on his plan 
 until he's made certain of the enemy's posi- 
 tion. You don't allow that we can rush in 
 hilter-skilter an' hope to work our purpose, 
 eh?" 
 
 *'Why not? There are only a dozen of 
 them to near fifty of us." 
 
 **But look at Colonel Allen's regiment." 
 
 "Well, what of them? They are not in 
 this quarrel, for their commander is leader of 
 the expedition so far." 
 
 **No, they are not in it," the corporal said; 
 **but what assurance have we they won't 
 take a hand as soon as we begin operations? 
 Don't you allow they know what the Stock- 
 bridge men brought with them?" 
 
 **Why, everybody in camp knows that." 
 
 **Then do you suppose they're goin' to 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 97 
 
 stand by idly while we take the money and 
 munitions?" 
 
 The men began to murmur among them- 
 selves, and Corporal 'Lige appeared well 
 satisfied that they should thus consume the 
 time; but before many minutes had passed 
 one and another spoke derisively of the old 
 man, asking what his plan was good for if he 
 didn't dare carry it out, or why he had not 
 made mention of what Colonel Allen's men 
 might do in event of his suggestion being 
 acted upon? 
 
 At first the corporal was not minded to 
 take heed of these disparaging remarks ; but 
 as the clamor increased he was forced to 
 defend himself, and made answer sharply : 
 
 **The plan was good, and the only one 
 likely to succeed. When I got that far with 
 it you jumped to the idea that it should be 
 worked out at once. Now all the while I 
 
98 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRtJIT. 
 
 was keeping my eye fixed on Colonel Allen's 
 men, tryin' to make up my mind what 
 they'd do when we struck the first blow, and 
 I haven't decided yet." 
 
 ** You're a coward! You claimed to be an 
 old soldier, and to know more of warfare 
 than any one in this encampment, not except- 
 ing the commanders, but yet you don't dare 
 lead fifty men against a dozen!'* 
 
 **If I don't dare it isn't because I'm afraid 
 of bodily injury ; but I can't afi'ord to stake 
 my reputation as a soldier where the chances 
 are likely to be so heavy against us. It's 
 one thing to have a good plan, an' just as 
 important to know when to carry it out. If 
 we hang together an' are ready to take 
 advantage of the first opportunity that 
 comes, then we'll be showing our strength; 
 but not by rushing in hilter-skilter like a 
 crowd of boys primed for a rough- an' -tumble 
 fight." 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 99 
 
 Corporal 'Lige's argument was evidently 
 considered a good one, for at once the out- 
 cries which had been raised against him died 
 away, the men yet remaining in position as 
 if ready to act upon any suggestion he might 
 make. 
 
 **I don't reckon there's goin' to be much 
 trouble 'round here after all," Nathan said in 
 a tone of disappointment, and Isaac gave vent 
 to a sigh of relief. *'It strikes me that old 
 man crawled out of a pretty small hole." 
 
 **Do you mean to say he wouldn't dare do 
 what the men wanted?" 
 
 **Well, he would be a pretty poor stick if 
 he didn't. There's four of this crowd to one 
 of that. What I allow is he's afraid of the 
 officers, and if this is any kind of a military 
 company he's got good cause to be, accordin' 
 to the way things run up to the fort. There 
 you wouldn't hear privates tellin' who 
 
100 CORPORAL 'LIGE'8 RECRUIT. 
 
 should command 'em, an' who shouldn't, else 
 they'd find themselves in trouble." 
 
 At this moment a great sho at went up from 
 the Green-Mountain Boys, and as the two 
 factions who had stood facing each other 
 ready for the encounter glanced around 
 quickly, they saw Colonel Ethan Allen 
 approaching. 
 
 Then the Stockbridge men set up a shout, 
 for Colonel Arnold stepped to Allen's side as 
 if of equal rank, and the Pittsfield detach- 
 ment remained silent, because Colonel Eas- 
 ton was walking in the rear of these two 
 officers. 
 
 **It looks as if our colonel had given in, an' 
 wasn't countin' on standin' up for his own 
 rights," Corporal 'Lige said mournfully. 
 **Let one of you run over there an' tell him 
 what we're ready to do. Say we'll begin the 
 scrimmage as soon as he gives the word." 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 101 
 
 This order was obeyed, and the little troop 
 watched the messenger as he approached the 
 colonel, and, without so much as touching 
 his cap by way of salute, spoke earnestly 
 during a few seconds. 
 
 Then Colonel Easton was seen to shake his 
 head decidedly, and the man returned to his 
 fellows looking thoroughly ashamed. 
 
 **What's the matter?" Corporal 'Lige asked 
 sharply. 
 
 **He says if we had any idea of our duties 
 as soldiers we should be less ready to advise 
 and more eager to obey." 
 
 **There's a good deal of sense in that," the 
 corporal said thoughtfully; **but at the same 
 time I claim matters are in such shape that 
 we're justified in making the proposition. 
 When a body of men have got a commander 
 what won't stand up for himself, it's time 
 the rank and file took the matter in hand." 
 
102 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUTT. 
 
 **Is that what you call good soldiering?" 
 Nathan Beman asked shrilly, and Isaac 
 clutched his new friend by the arm frantically 
 for it alarmed him that any one should dare 
 ask such a bold question of the corporal. 
 
 The old man turned around angrily ; opened 
 his mouth as if to speak, and then, repenting 
 of his purpose, faced the on-coming oflBcers 
 once more, much as if to say that such a 
 question from such a questioner was not 
 worthy of regard. 
 
 The group of officers advanced until they 
 were standing at equal distances from each 
 of the three factions, and Colonel Allen said, 
 speaking slowly and distinctly, looking at 
 the forces from Stockbridge and Pittsfield : 
 
 **It is no secret that you men are dis- 
 gruntled because I have been chosen com- 
 mander of the expedition. You are enlisted 
 as militia from the province of Massa- 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 103 
 
 chusetts and as enroled men have no voice 
 in choosing a commander. Therefore I pro- 
 pose to make no explanation of the matter ; 
 but have taken this opportunity to address 
 you in order to say that, by the advice and 
 with the consent of the others in command, 
 those of you who cannot obey such orders 
 as may be given regardless of who is the 
 leader, had best return home from this point. 
 It shall not be counted against you as 
 deserters, for the names of those who are 
 unwilling to serve cheerfully will be stricken 
 quietly from the rolls, without any mention 
 whatever, dishonorable or otherwise. Colo- 
 nel Arnold presents himself with due 
 authority from the province of Massa- 
 chusetts to take command of any troops not 
 exceeding four hundred which may be raised 
 for the purpose of attacking Fort Ticon- 
 deroga. Under all the circumstances he has 
 
104 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 decided to wave his claim of rank and act as 
 volunteer until the purpose for which we 
 have advanced be accomplished. Now, then, 
 those cf you who cannot obey my orders, 
 step to the right." 
 
 The Green- Mountain Boys began to raise 
 shouts of approval, but their colonel checked 
 them by saying sternly : 
 
 ** Silence in the ranks! Let no man dare 
 give voice to his approval or disapproval of 
 what may occur in this encampment!" 
 
 It was as if Colonel Easton believed some 
 of his men might take • advantage of the 
 opportunity, and stepping quickly to the 
 side of Allen, he said: 
 
 **Lads, when the question came up last 
 night as to who should lead this expedition, 
 I cast the first vote for Colonel Allen. He is 
 a soldier of much experience and great 
 ability. It is my earnest desire that he take 
 
" SILENCE IN THE RANKS! " THE COLONEL SAID STERNLY. 
 
 Corporal 'Li(je''s Htcruit, p. lOh, 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 105 
 
 upon himself the responsibility of directing 
 our movements, and whatsoever he orders 
 shall be performed by me faithfully and 
 promptly." 
 
 Colonel Arnold made no attempt to address 
 his men, and the three officers stood in 
 silence several moments, after which Allen 
 said: 
 
 ** Because none of you have signified your 
 desire to be relieved from the enlistment, 
 we will suppose all are willing to go forward, 
 and from now out there can be no excuse 
 for insubordination or hesitation." 
 
 This said, the oflScers withdrew once more, 
 and now that their colonel was no longer 
 there to check them the Green Mountain 
 Boys set up a shout of triumph, which was 
 answered by derisive yells from Corporal 
 'Lige's troop, and apparent indiff'erence by 
 the men from Stockbridge. 
 
106 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 *'I reckon I may as well go home now," 
 Nathan said in a low tone to Isaac. ** There 
 don't seem to be any chance of a row be- 
 cause the men are going to give in easy 
 enough; but I'd like to see 'em find their 
 way into the fort. It ain't so easy as they're 
 countin' on." 
 
 **Who is this boy, Isaac?" Corporal 'Lige 
 asked as he stepped toward the lads, ap- 
 parently glad of an opportunity to disengage 
 himself from those who had shown they were 
 ready to obey his commands. 
 
 Isaac gave such explanation as was within 
 his power, and the old man asked, address- 
 ing Nathan: 
 
 •*What do you know about Fort Ticon- 
 deroga?" 
 
 The boy made reply much as he had to 
 Isaac, and the corporal questioned him 
 sharply: 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 107 
 
 **Have you been allowed to roam over the 
 fortification at will?" 
 
 *' There was no reason why I shouldn't. I 
 know all the boys who live in the fort, an' 
 after I finished what I went for, who'd stop 
 us from goin' 'round?" 
 
 **How many soldiers are there in the 
 place?" 
 
 ** Somewhere about fifty, I should think." 
 
 ** Women and children?" 
 
 **Yes, 'most twice as many, I reckon, 
 though I never counted 'em." 
 
 *'And you say you know all the ins and 
 outs of the fort?" 
 
 **Look here, how many times do you want 
 me to tell you? Of course I do; but what's 
 that got to do with you?" 
 
 Nathan spoke in such a disrespectful tone 
 that Isaac literally trembled lest the corporaL 
 should fall upon him in his wrath. 
 
108 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **Wait you here till I come back, an' see to 
 it that you don't move from this spot." 
 
 The corporal gave this command in his 
 sternest tones, and without waiting for a 
 reply hastened off in the direction where the 
 officers had disappeared, while Nathan stood 
 looking at his new acquaintance in mingled 
 surprise and bewilderment. 
 
 **Now, what does that old man mean when 
 he tells me to wait here? What right's he 
 got to order me 'round?" 
 
 **Don't get disgruntled," Isaac said im- 
 ploringly. **I tell you he's a great soldier, 
 and you'll see that his order means some- 
 thing, 'cause the corporal don't make foolish 
 talk." 
 
 ** Then, what was it I heard when I come 
 up here an' he was tellin' the men what to 
 do, but backed down after findin' they were 
 ready to follow him?" 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 109 
 
 **That part of it was all right. The time 
 hadn't come for him to carry out his plans, 
 and he explained it. Couldn't you hear 
 him?" 
 
 **I heard what he said; but that didn't 
 deceive me." 
 
 Then Isaac explained with many a detail 
 why the old man was the ablest soldier in 
 the encampment, and while he was trying to 
 convince the skeptical Nathan, Corporal 
 'Lige returned, looking very important and 
 mysterious. 
 
 ** You're to come with me," he said tap- 
 ping Nathan on the shoulder. 
 
 **Where?" the boy asked sharply. 
 
 **I said you were to come with me." 
 
 **Well, you may say it again before I go. I 
 want to know what you're thinkin' of doin'. 
 I ain't one of these make-believe soldiers that 
 can be ordered 'round by such as you," 
 
110 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 During an instant the corporal glowered at 
 the boy as if of a mind to chastise him for 
 his too familiar words, and then Isaac inter- 
 posed to save his new-found friend from 
 what he feared would be most severe punish- 
 ment. 
 
 "He'll go with you, Corporal 'Lige; don't 
 be angry with him. You see he's a stranger 
 here, an' doesn't understand what " 
 
 **I understand enough not to go till I know 
 what he's about," Nathan cried angrily, 
 wrenching himself free from Isaac's detain- 
 ing grasp and leaping back a few paces. 
 
 The corporal clapped his hand to his side 
 as if to raise a sword, and then realizing that 
 he had no such weapon, said in a remarkably 
 conciliatory tone: 
 
 **I told Colonel Allen that you were well 
 acquainted with the interior of the fort, and 
 he would speak with you a few moments." 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. HI 
 
 *'Well, if you'd said that in the first place 
 I would have been willing; but when you 
 jumped down on me as if I was one of these 
 recruits, I wasn't goin' to stand it." 
 
 '*If you are willin' to come, follow me." 
 
 *'Am I to go with you?" Isaac asked 
 pleadingly, and the corporal hesitated an 
 instant before replying : 
 
 **Yes, lad, I don't reckon it'll do any 
 harm, and it may give you an insight into the 
 way we manage military afi'airs." 
 
112 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 A SQUAD OF FOUB. 
 
 Isaac was in high glee at thus being per- 
 mitted to visit headquarters, for even though 
 he v^ent there only by permission of Corporal 
 'Lige and not because his presence was 
 desired, it seemed to him that it was in a 
 certain degree a recognition of the possible 
 fact that he was really a soldier. 
 
 Nathan Beman, however, did not appear to 
 think there was any compliment in the invi- 
 tation. Naturally of a suspicious nature, he 
 fancied in some way this visit might work to 
 his harm, and, in addition, he was displeased 
 by the air of superiority which was observa- 
 ble in the corporal when he addressed any 
 remark to the lad. 
 
' CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 113 
 
 The old soldier walked several paces in 
 advance of the boys, and did not appear to 
 think it necessary he should look around to 
 see if they were following, for in his mind a 
 request to visit headquarters was the same 
 as an imperative command, and one which 
 no sane person would venture to disobey. 
 
 **I suppose he thinks he can tow me 
 'round wherever he likes, and I've got a 
 mind to show him he can't," Nathan said to 
 Isaac, motioning with his thumb toward the 
 corporal. 
 
 "It's Colonel Allen who wants to see 
 you," Isaac ventured to suggest timidly. 
 
 **How do you know?" 
 
 "Why Corporal 'Lige said so." 
 
 "I ain't certain that makes it true, 'cause 
 he's said a good many things that don't 
 amount to much since I've been around this 
 place*" 
 
114 CORPORAL LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **But the corporal wouldn't lie," Isaac said 
 solemnly, and Nathan added with a peculiar 
 smile: 
 
 **0h, no, he wouldn't lie!" 
 
 **See here, what have you got against the 
 corporal?" 
 
 *'Me? Why should I have anything 
 against him?" 
 
 *' That's what puzzles me; but it seems as 
 though you didn't think very much of him." 
 
 ''Neither do I. I've seen soldiers up 
 'round Ticonderoga, not make-believes like 
 the old man, who is all talk an' no sub- 
 stance." 
 
 Isaac's face flushed. He was not disposed 
 to let this stranger make sport of Corporal 
 'Lige, whom he knew was thoroughly versed 
 in the art of warfare, and a brave man 
 withal; but before he had decided in his own 
 mind how the most telling reproof could be 
 
'BUT THE CORPORAL WOULDN'T LIE," ISAAC SAID SOLEMNLY. 
 
 Corporal 'Liges Recruit, p. Ilk. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 115 
 
 administered, they arrived at headquarters, 
 which was neither more nor less than a shel- 
 ter built of pine boughs, situate so far from 
 the main encampment as to afford some 
 degree of seclusion. 
 
 Isaac judged from the eager look on the 
 faces of the oflScers that this visit was con- 
 sidered by them of more importance than it 
 was by Nathan, and instantly Corporal 'Lige 
 saluted, Colonel Allen asked: 
 
 **Are both the lads acquainted with the 
 fort?" 
 
 **No, colonel; here is the one who lives up 
 Shoreham way," and he touched Nathan on 
 the shoulder. **This," he added, motioning 
 toward Isaac, **is a recruit I have taken 
 under my protection." 
 
 It was evident that Colonel Allen came 
 nearer Nathan's standard of a soldier than 
 Corporal 'Lige, for he stood in a respectful 
 
116 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 attitude before the officer as if recognizing 
 the latter's right to question him. 
 
 **Is your father alive?" the colonel asked. 
 
 **Yes, sir; he owns a farm up on the lake." 
 
 **How often have you visited the fort 
 within the past year?" 
 
 ** Mostly twice a week, sir; never less than 
 once." 
 
 **Then you are sufficiently well acquainted 
 with the troops to be able to gain admission 
 at any time?" 
 
 **Yes, sir; father sells a lot of truck there, 
 an' I mostly carry it over." 
 
 "Are you known to Captain Delaplace?" 
 
 **Yes, sir, and his wife as well." 
 
 **What brought you here, lad?" 
 
 **We heard it said there was a lot of sol- 
 diers marchin' up this way, and I didn't have 
 much of anything to do, so come down to 
 have a look at 'em." 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 117 
 
 **Is it generally known near about where 
 you live that troops are marching toward the 
 fort?" 
 
 *'I don't think so, sir. Simon York, a 
 trapper, told father, and it was agreed 
 between them that nothing should be spoken 
 about it lest the news get out." 
 
 **Do you know how many soldiers there 
 are in the fort now?" 
 
 **Near about fifty, sir." 
 
 **Hark you, lad, are you minded to do a 
 service for those who would strike a blow 
 against the king?" 
 
 **I suppose that would depend on what it 
 was, an' how much I'd make out of it," 
 Nathan replied cautiously. 
 
 **Then you are not of the mind to do any- 
 thing toward establishing the independence 
 of the colonies— it is simply a question of 
 shillings and pence?" 
 
118 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **Well, sir, perhaps it is something like 
 that," Nathan replied, growing confused. 
 *' Father thinks since the news came from 
 Concord and Lexington that all the provin- 
 cials ought to turn to and show their mettle ; 
 but mother says so long as the king's troops 
 buy truck and pay good prices for it, it is our 
 business to see that we don't take the bread 
 and butter out of our own mouths." 
 
 **I understand; yours is what might be 
 called a divided household," and Colonel 
 Allen looked around with a smile at his 
 companions. 
 
 **I guess I don't know what you mean by 
 that, sir; but things our way are about as I 
 have told you." 
 
 Corporal 'Lige glowered at the boy who 
 thus unblushingly announced that he meas- 
 red his patriotism by its value in money, and 
 Isaac wondered that a lad so young could 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 119 
 
 talk thus pertly to one as high in authority 
 as was Colonel Ethan Allen. 
 
 **If you should be paid six shillings, would 
 you be willing to guide one of these gentle- 
 men into the fort and come back with him to 
 where our troops might then be stationed?" 
 
 ** Which one wants to go?" Nathan asked, 
 not intending to commit himself until the 
 full details were given. 
 
 **This gentleman," and Colonel Allen 
 pointed toward Master Phelps, one of the 
 Committee from the Connecticut Assembly. 
 
 Nathan looked at him critically a moment, 
 and then asked, as if suspicious some portion 
 of the plan was being kept secret from him : 
 
 **Does he want to see Captain Delaplace?" 
 
 **He simply wishes to view the fort, and it 
 would be necessary you should pretend he 
 was a neighbor who had come with no other 
 motive than that of curiosity." 
 
120 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 ** You couldn't pass him off for any neigh- 
 bor of our'n." 
 
 *'Why not?" 
 i. **'Cause he's dressed too fine, an' his face 
 is so pale that anybody'd know he didn't live 
 'round here." 
 
 ** All that may be readily changed," Master 
 Phelps interrupted. **ril promise to look so 
 nearly like one of your neighbors that there 
 shall be no question raised." 
 
 **When do I get the six shillings?" Nathan 
 asked. 
 
 ** After you have performed the work faith- 
 fully to the extent of bringing Master Phelps 
 back to me," Colonel Allen replied, now 
 speaking quite sharply. **It would be a 
 serious matter indeed if you were to betray 
 him to the commandant of the fort, or indi- 
 cate that this body of men are near at hand." 
 
 •*If I take the six shillings, I'll earn ' em. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 121 
 
 It's none of my business where you folks 
 are, nor what's goin' on 'round the fort; all 
 I'm looking after is the cash I can make." 
 
 *'Will you undertake the task?" 
 
 **Yes," Nathan replied, and then, as if a 
 sudden thought had come to him, added: 
 
 **I will if this boy goes along too." 
 
 **Is he a friend of yours?" 
 
 **I don't s'pose so, 'cause I never saw him 
 before; but it's goin' to be mighty pokey all 
 alone with a man like him," and Nathan 
 pointed to Master Phelps. 
 
 At this point Corporal 'Lige stepped for- 
 ward and saluted, thus attracting the col- 
 onel's attention, after which he motioned 
 toward the outside as if to ask for a private 
 interview. 
 
 The colonel immediately left the hut, 
 followed by the corporal, and Nathan looked 
 after them suspiciously, whispering to Isaac: 
 
1!^$ CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **Now, what do you s'pose that old imita- 
 tion soldier is up to? He mustn't try to get 
 the best of me." 
 
 **You needn't be afraid Corporal 'Lige will 
 do anything that's wrong, 'cause he's an 
 honest man, an' no imitation of a soldier; 
 but a true one." 
 
 **I ain't so certain about all that; but you 
 seem to have a pretty good idea of him, so 
 perhaps he is half-way decent after all." 
 
 At his point the old soldier and the colonel 
 returned, the latter saying when he was 
 inside the hut once more : 
 
 **In order that you may have no lack of 
 company I propose that Master Phelps, 
 Corporal Watkins, and the lad all go with 
 you." 
 
 **Who's Watkins?" Nathan whispered to 
 Isaac. 
 
 **Why, that's Corporal 'Lige, of course." 
 
CORPORAL 'LiaE'S HECRtJiT. 123 
 
 **I knew he was stickin' his nose into it 
 some way.'* 
 
 ** You'll be glad to have him, 'cause he's 
 jest as good as he can be after you get 
 acquainted." 
 
 Nathan remained silent a few seconds, and 
 then asked abruptly : 
 
 **When does the crowd want to go?" 
 
 **At once. It should be possible to visit 
 the fort before sunset." 
 
 **Well, that's accordin' to how fast they 
 can walk ; but if they start, an' don't get 
 there in time, father'll keep them overnight 
 without chargin' more'n what's right for 
 the lodgings." 
 
 ** Very well; you may make ready to set 
 out immediately, and when you have 
 returned the money shall be paid you." 
 
 **I'm ready now." 
 
 ** Master Phelps will need a few moments 
 
tU CORPOtlAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 in which to prepare himself for the journey, 
 and I doubt not but that the corporal and his 
 comrade have some belongings which they 
 will want to take with them. Remain you 
 here, lad, until the others have made all 
 necessary preparations and are in condition 
 for the journey." 
 
 This was a command which Nathan could 
 not well disobey; but he looked toward 
 Isaac while the latter was hurried away by 
 Corporal 'Lige, as if there were yet other 
 questions concerning this project which he 
 would like to ask. 
 
 **Don't turn back, lad," the old soldier said 
 when his protege made a move as if to 
 return. ** There's to be no time lost, and 
 you'll have good opportunity for talking 
 once we're on the road." 
 
 **How did it happen the colonel sent you 
 and me?" Isaac asked when the two were 
 
CORPORAL 'LiaE'S RECRUIT. i;25 
 
 SO far from headquarters that his words 
 could not be overheard. 
 
 *' That's owing to the hint I gave Colonel 
 Allen when that young skinflint made his 
 talk. A lad who won't take sides in this 
 matter 'twixt the colonies and the king, but 
 holds out for whatever money he can get, is 
 not to be trusted, accordin' to my way of 
 thinkin'. While he was settin' himself down 
 for a cold-blooded, close-fisted specimen of 
 humanity such as you wouldn't look for in 
 one so young, I made up my mind that there 
 had best be a sharp watch kept of him, else 
 a word or two might be dropped at the fort 
 which would upset all our plans." 
 
 *'Do you believe he would take Colonel 
 Allen's money and then betray him?" 
 
 **I am certain a lad who would haggle for 
 six shillings under such circumstances as 
 this would sell out to the next man who 
 
126 CORPORAL 'LlOE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 offered half as much more, and the colonel 
 was of the same mind after I'd mentioned 
 the matter." 
 
 **I don't see why I should go." 
 
 **Don't you want to?" the corporal asked 
 in surprise. 
 
 **0f course it would be more pleasant than 
 marching with the troops ; but still I can't 
 understand what good it is possible for me to 
 do." 
 
 **Ldon't reckon you will be of any service; 
 but the boy had taken a notion to have you 
 with him, so it seemed like a good chance for 
 me to put my oar in, and between the two of 
 us I reckon he won't have much show of 
 playing double." 
 
 In a very few seconds the corporal and 
 Isaac had made their preparations for the 
 journey, which simply consisted in gathering 
 up all their belongings, much to the surprise 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 127 
 
 of the lad, who questioned whether, if they 
 were to go to the fort apparently from 
 motives of curiosity, it was well they carried 
 muskets. 
 
 "If it seems necessary we can leave them 
 where this boy lives; but it is certain we 
 cannot depend on any one else bringing our 
 luggage along for us, so take what we own, 
 lad, an' then be at home wherever we stop." 
 
 When the two returned to headquarters 
 they found Master Phelps awaiting their 
 coming, and Nathan kept close and sus- 
 picious watch upon each person and every- 
 thing within his range of vision. 
 
 The messenger from the General Assembly 
 had made a very decided change in his 
 personal appearance, and Isaac was forced 
 to look twice before feeling positive this was 
 the same Master Phelps whom he had seen 
 a few moments before. 
 
128 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 Now he was clad after the fashion of a 
 farmer, in garments which he had probably 
 borrowed from some member of the troop; 
 his face was browned and soiled, while his 
 hands were exceedingly dirty, and even 
 Nathan must have been satisfied that the 
 commandant of the fort would not see in 
 this visitor other than he professed to be. 
 
 **If that lad had a trifle more sense he'd 
 understand there wasn't anything to be 
 gained by deceiving him," the corporal said 
 in a low tone to Isaac; **but he's so self- 
 opinionated he thinks everybody is plotting 
 mischief against him." 
 
 **You don't seem to like him very well," 
 Isaac ventured to say, and Corporal 'Lige 
 replied emphatically: 
 
 ''Neither do I." 
 
 *'Then unless he an' I go off" by ourselves, 
 I don't reckon this will be a very pleasant 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 129 
 
 journey," Isaac said to himself as he thought 
 of the corporal and Nathan, each distrusting 
 and making complaint against the other. 
 
 Colonel Allen was determined there should 
 be no delay in the setting out of this spying 
 expedition, and immediately the corporal and 
 Isaac showed themselves he insisted that the 
 little party start without further loss of time. 
 
 Young Beman at once showed his prefer- 
 ence as to a traveling companion, for he 
 ranged himself by Isaac's side, and when the 
 corporal would have joined them, said curtly: 
 
 '* You'd better keep back with the other 
 man. I s'pose I'll have to lead the way, 
 and when we strike off the main road the 
 path ain't wide enough for more than two." 
 
 **Don't the highway lead to Shoreham?'* 
 the corporal asked suspiciously. 
 
 **Yes; but we can save more'n four miles 
 by cuttin' through the woods," and Nathan 
 
130 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 hurried Isaac on as a means both of putting 
 an end to the corporal's inquiries, and forc- 
 ing him to join Master Phelps. 
 
 Once the journey was well begun young 
 Beman presented himself in a more favorable 
 light. 
 
 He ceased to refer to the corporal as an 
 ** imitation soldier," and gave no further 
 evidence of being suspicious ; but qestioned 
 Isaac as to what the town of Pittsfield was 
 like, and concerning Boston, where young 
 Rice had visited two years previous in com- 
 pany with his father. 
 
 Master Phelps was not accustomed to this 
 method of traveling, and when the guide 
 struck into the woods where the trail lead 
 alternately over a hilly and swampy country 
 he was soon forced to declare that he could 
 not proceed at such a rapid pace. 
 
 '*You will have to slacken up a bit," Cor- 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 131 
 
 poral 'Lige shouted, **for the gentleman ain't 
 used to this kind of footin'." 
 
 **We can't go very slow, else we shan't get 
 to the fort before sunset," Nathan replied 
 indifferently, and Master Phelps said in a 
 tone which admitted of no argument: 
 
 **It isn't possible for me to keep pace with 
 you. If it so be we fail to finish the journey 
 before dark, we can take lodgings with your 
 father and accomplish our purpose early to- 
 morrow morning." 
 
 The prospect of introducing to his father 
 guests who would pay for all they received, 
 was so satisfactory to young Beman that he 
 made no protest at being thus forced to 
 slacken pace. It may be he was unneces- 
 sarily slow from this time out, for it was 
 already dark when they arrived at the guide's 
 home, and Nathan said to Master Phelps 
 before entering the building : 
 
132 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT 
 
 **ril tell father you folks want to stay all 
 night, and that's as much as I need say. If 
 you count on explaining why you have come, 
 it's none of my business. The officer what 
 hired me said I was to keep quiet about 
 everything I'd seen down to the camp, so 1 
 might as well begin by holding my tongue." 
 
 Then Nathan ushered the guests into the 
 kitchen, where was found Mr. Beman sitting 
 by the fireplace, for the night had grown 
 cold' and chill, while his wife was preparing 
 the supper. 
 
 **Here are some travelers who want to stay 
 all night," Nathan announced, and added in 
 a lower tone to Isaac, **Come out to the barn 
 with me while I do my chores; there's no 
 fun in sittin' here." 
 
 Five minutes later the three men followed 
 the boys, and Isaac fancied it was Master 
 Phelps' intention to explain to the farmer the 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 133 
 
 purpose of their coining, but that he feared 
 to do so in the presence of the mistress of 
 the household, who, if her son had quoted 
 her words correctly, favored the king's 
 representatives rather than the colonists in 
 the doings which had lately arisen. 
 
 Nathan took good care that his new friend 
 should perform a full share of the evening's 
 work, and Isaac assisted in milking the cows, 
 carrying water, and chopping wood until he 
 had of a surety earned as bountiful a spread 
 as could be set before him. 
 
 The farmer and his guests did not appear 
 until they had been summoned twice after 
 the appetizing meal was placed upon the 
 table, and while she was impatiently await- 
 ing them, Mrs. Beman questioned her son 
 sharply as to what business his father could 
 have with the strangers. 
 
 For a. time Nathan avoided making any 
 
134 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 direct answer ; but when his mother pressed 
 him closely he answered her quite as pertly 
 as he had Colonel Allen, by saying: 
 
 **I'm to be paid for holdin' my tongue 
 about whatever is goin' on — I'll have six 
 shillings by this time to-morrow night, an' I 
 can't afford to talk to anybody." 
 
 **Six shillings just for holding your tongue, 
 Nathan?" 
 
 **Well, it's for that an' a little more; but I 
 ain't goin' to make any talk, so if you want 
 me to earn the money you'd better stop 
 askin' questions." 
 
 **Is your father going to get as much?" 
 
 **I don't know anything about his trades; 
 it's all I can do to take care of my own, an' 
 work 'em through accordin' to the agree- 
 ment, when there's so much questionin' goin' 
 on," Nathan replied quite sharply, and his 
 mother, who was evidently as prudent as 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. I35 
 
 himself in financial matters, desisted from 
 pressing him further. 
 
 After this brief conversation Isaac felt 
 positive Corporal 'Lige need have no fear 
 regarding possible treachery on Nathan's 
 part, for if the boy refused to tell his mother 
 he surely would be close-mouthed in the 
 presence of others. 
 
 When the party finally made their appear- 
 ance and were seated at the supper table, the 
 three men evidently on the best of terms 
 with each other, Mrs. Beman's curiosity was 
 still further aroused, as was but natural. 
 Yet no word was dropped during the prog- 
 ress of the meal, nor so long as the guests 
 remained downstairs, which could have given 
 her the slightest clew. 
 
 It was Nathan's purpose to have Isaac for 
 a bed-fellow; but to this his mother made 
 emphatic protest, and when the time for 
 
136 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 retiring came the three guests were con- 
 ducted to a room adjoining the kitchen, while 
 the farmer's family retired to the loft above. 
 
 Then it was in cautious whispers that Isaac 
 told the corporal why he felt confident there 
 was no danger Nathan would betray them, 
 and the old soldier said grimly : 
 
 **He didn't have a fair test when he was 
 talking with his mother, 'cause there was no 
 chance she would pay him for the informa- 
 tion. What I'm afeared of is that some one 
 may offer him more than Colonel Allen did, 
 an' then I'll go bail everything he knows 
 will come out in short order." 
 
 **I don't believe he would do other than he 
 has agreed." 
 
 "Well, lad, you hold to that opinion, an' 
 I'll have my own, an' 'twixt the two of us I 
 reckon he won't be able to do any mischief. 
 His father is a proper kind of man ; holds to 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 137 
 
 it that the colonists are right in making war 
 against the king, and stands ready to do all 
 he can in furtherance of the cause. There- 
 fore if this young jack-a-napes holds himself 
 too high an' mighty in the mornin' we shan't 
 be wholly in his power." 
 
 When day dawned, however. Corporal 'Lige 
 had no reason to complain of Nathan. 
 
 The lad showed himself of the mind to earn 
 the six shillings, and now that he was at 
 home, appeared less suspicious of his com- 
 panion's intentions. 
 
 Perhaps this was due in part to the fact 
 that his father, well knowing what the 
 visitors would have, took it upon himself to 
 give the guide positive instructions, and at 
 an early hour Nathan set out accompanied 
 by Master Phelps. 
 
 It was his intention that Isaac should be 
 one of the party ; but to this the farmer made 
 
138^ CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 decided objections, insisting that more than 
 one stranger might cause suspicion, and 
 therefore it was that Corporal 'Lige and his 
 pupil remained quietly at the farm until noon 
 of that day, when the delegate from the Con- 
 necticut Assembly returned well pleased 
 with what he had seen. 
 
 In a private conversation held with the 
 corporal he reported that strong though the 
 fortification was, the walls were in a state 
 of great dilapidation; few, if any, precau- 
 tions taken against surprise ; military disci- 
 pline was hardly known, and the sentinels 
 in particular were remiss in their duty. 
 
 Master Phelps had no difficulty in making 
 such investigations as he chose, and declared 
 that in his opinion, providing the garrison 
 could be taken by surprise, there was nothing 
 to prevent a capture of the fort. 
 
 However, in order that all this might be 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 139 
 
 effected, boats were necessary, and there 
 was not a sufficient number on the shores 
 near about to convey one-tenth of the men in 
 Colonel Allen's command. 
 
 **It is well you have come with me," 
 Master Phelps said to the corporal, **for while 
 I am returning, you and the lad, accom- 
 panied by the farmer, shall set about seizing 
 all the boats which may be found in this 
 vicinity, having due heed to your move- 
 ments, however, lest you proceed so far in 
 the direction of Crown Point as to arouse 
 suspicions in that quarter. Work as expedi- 
 tiously as is in your power, for the troops 
 will arrive here not later than midnight, and 
 it is absolutely necessary there be ready 
 proper craft to convey them across the lake." 
 Then Master Phelps, still holding to 
 Nathan as a guide, set off to meet the force, 
 which was believed to be rapidly approach- 
 
140 CORPORAL 'LIGES RECRUIT. 
 
 ing, and the farmer said impatiently to the 
 corporal : 
 
 **If it so be, sir, you count on carrying out 
 the orders given 'twixt now and dark, it is 
 time for us to be moving, for boats are not 
 plentiful hereabout, and we shall have a 
 long tramp before gathering as many as 
 will carry your force acrosSo" 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 141 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 TICONDEEOGA. 
 
 It was not necessary Farmer Beman should 
 urge Corporal 'Lige to make haste in this 
 matter which had been intrusted to him, for 
 the old soldier understood full well how 
 necessary it was that means of transportation 
 for the troops should be at hand when the 
 men arrived, and had good reason to believe 
 that such task as was assigned him could 
 not be readily performed. 
 
 He even showed himself more eager in the 
 work than the farmer, for when the latter 
 would have delayed in order to eat the noon- 
 day meal, the old man positively refused as 
 he said : 
 
 **Wecan have dinner after Ticonderoga has 
 
142 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 been taken, but until then there must be no 
 thought of rest. Although as I understand, 
 detachments are to be sent to Skenesborough 
 and Panton, it is not positive they can get 
 boats from there to this point in time, and 
 we must act as if believing the matter of 
 transportation depended wholly upon our- 
 selves." 
 
 Had Nathan been there to witness the old 
 man's activity after some special work had 
 been set for him, he might have changed his 
 opinion about the corporal's being an **imi- 
 tation soldier." 
 
 He walked here and there, tiring his com- 
 panions almost to the verge of exhaustion, 
 and yet apparently as fresh as when he 
 began; but when the sun set he had only 
 seventeen boats drawn up on the shore at 
 that point where it was supposed the troops 
 would halt, and Isaac believed there were 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 143 
 
 absolutely no more within the radius of a 
 dozen miles. 
 
 **I allow you've done your best, corporal," 
 Farmer Beman said as the three stood look- 
 ing ruefully at the small number of boats, 
 many of which would be loaded to the 
 water's edge with half a dozen men, **and it 
 now stands us in hand to get supper, con- 
 siderin' we missed our dinner so com- 
 pletely." 
 
 ** There must be no time wasted. Let 
 Isaac run up to the house for such provisions 
 as your wife can spare, and we'll set out in 
 some other direction, for every craft that we 
 add to this 'ere lot is jest so much gained." 
 
 **You may set out in as many directions as 
 you choose ; but you will not find another 
 boat this night," Farmer Beman said 
 decidedly, and with what was very like a 
 show of ill- temper. **I've guided you to 
 
144 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 every place I know of, and if you are so 
 headstrong as to keep on when there's little 
 show of accomplishing anything, you must 
 go alone." 
 
 **And that's exactly what I shall do," the 
 corporal said emphatically. **Even though I 
 knew nothing would be accomplished I 
 should keep on workin' until the force 
 arrived, 'cause it isn't for me to set down 
 and say my task is finished." 
 
 **If that's your idea of soldierin', then I'm 
 mighty glad I haven't enlisted," and the 
 farmer went deliberately to his home, con- 
 vinced, as was his son, that the old corporal 
 was not as well skilled in warfare as he 
 would have it appear. 
 
 Even Isaac was disposed to protest against 
 his teacher's decision, and urged that it was 
 little less than folly to think of adding to the 
 fleet, for Farmer Bemau had declared posi^ 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 145 
 
 tively there were no more boats in the 
 vicinity. 
 
 To this the corporal replied with some 
 warmth, and there might have been a 
 serious undermining of friendship had not 
 Nathan arrived just at that moment. 
 
 '*Well, is that all you've done this after- 
 noon?" he asked sharply, and the corporal 
 turned on him fiercely. 
 
 **Do you know of other boats?" 
 
 ** Seems to me there's more'n a hundred 
 'round here." 
 
 •*Where are they?" 
 
 Nathan began a list, mentioning this 
 neighbor or that, and as often seeing among 
 the collection the craft to which he referred, 
 until finally he was forced to admit that to 
 the best of his knowledge there were no more. 
 
 **I thought you knew of more than a hun- 
 dred?" Corporal 'Lige cried fiercely. 
 
146 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **That's what I reckoned myself ; but when 
 I come to figger 'em up they wasn't there." 
 
 "You come with us, an' it may be we'll 
 find another." 
 
 "What? After I've walked down to 
 Castleton an' back to-day, I go with you out 
 rowin'? It'll take more'n six shillings to 
 hire me to do anything like that this night ; 
 besides you haven't got time before the 
 troops get here." 
 
 "How near are they?" Corporal 'Lige 
 asked in alarm. 
 
 "Well, they ought'er be showin' up by 
 this time, for I wasn't five minutes ahead of 
 'em, and — there they are now!" 
 
 Nathan pointed to a group of men who had 
 just come into the clearing from amid the 
 thicket, and as the old man looked up one of 
 the party motioned for him to approach. 
 
 Although Nathan had announced that he 
 
CORPORAL LIGE'S RECRUIT. 147 
 
 was nearly exhausted from his ardent labors, 
 his weariness was not so great as his 
 curiosity, and he followed the corporal and 
 Isaac. 
 
 It was Colonel Arnold, Colonel Easton and 
 the two representatives of the Connecticut 
 Assembly, who had thus come into view, and 
 the former, after explaining to Corporal 
 'Lige that the troops had been halted in the 
 thicket lest they might be seen from the fort 
 even in the gloom, asked concerning the 
 means of transportation. 
 
 Chagrined though he was at his inability to 
 do more, the corporal was forced to admit 
 that he had hardly a sufficient number of 
 boats to take over seventy-five or eighty of 
 the men; but this the colonel did not at the 
 time believe to be of great importance, for it 
 seemed positive Captain Herrick from 
 Skenesborough, and Captain Douglas from 
 
148 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 Panton, must before midnight send craft 
 enough to transfer the entire force. 
 
 Therefore it was that the leaders of the 
 party appeared well satisfied, and the cor- 
 poral must have come to the conclusion that 
 he had fretted himself without reasonable 
 cause. 
 
 **You will remain in charge of the fleet," 
 Colonel Allen said to the old soldier, **with 
 the boy to act as your lieutenant, and you 
 may detail two men as oarsmen in each 
 boat. We will set out as soon as the 
 remainder of the craft arrives." 
 
 Then it was that Nathan believed he saw 
 an opportunity to add to his earnings of the 
 day, and made the proposition that if the 
 further sum of four shillings be paid him he 
 would aid in ferrying the troops across, pro- 
 viding the work could be finished before 
 midnight; but if it should be delayed until 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 149 
 
 morning he desired to be paid twice that 
 amount. 
 
 No one seemed disposed to take advantage 
 of this very generous offer; now that his 
 particular portion of the work had been done, 
 it was very much as if every one save Isaac 
 ignored him. 
 
 **That's jest the way with these people from 
 down 'round Bennington. They get all they 
 can for the least money, an' then throw you 
 off. I ought to have held out for more'n six 
 shillings when I took that Master Phelps, as 
 you call him, over to the fort." 
 
 **But you got paid very well," Isaac 
 suggested. 
 
 **Yes, so far as it went; but if I'd thought 
 of all that's going on I would have put up 
 my price, or held out half-hired till the 
 business was over." 
 
 Now for the first time since tteir meeting 
 
150 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 did Corporal 'Lige's pupil speak sharply to 
 this friend. 
 
 ** You should be ashamed to demand money 
 for such work as you have done this day," 
 he said stoutly. ** Whatever resistance be 
 made to the king is for the benefit of all the 
 colonies, and if each one insisted on being 
 paid, as you've done, his majesty might 
 work his will, for there would be none to say 
 him nay." 
 
 Young Beman was both surprised and 
 injured by this outburst. 
 
 **That's what I call pretty tough, after all 
 I've done for you!" he cried sharply. **If it 
 hadn't been for me you wouldn't have got 
 over here and had a chance of staying all 
 night in our house." 
 
 **I didn't have a chance without paying for 
 it, as I understand Master Phelps is to settle 
 with your father for our accommodations." 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 151 
 
 **Yes, an' just before I come away mother 
 told me she thought as likely as not fathered 
 be such a fool as to refuse to take a cent; 
 but I ain't goin' to quarrel with you, even if 
 I have been defrauded of what is my right. 
 Come up to the house an' get some supper, 
 won't you?" 
 
 **You mean that I shall partake of the food 
 after I have helped you do the chores?" 
 
 ** Well, yes, something like that. Of course 
 you don't expect to get your supper for 
 nothing." 
 
 **No; I'd rather go without than do more 
 work now after tramping around all the after- 
 noon. There'll be something in the way of 
 rations found in camp, an' I'll take my 
 chances there." 
 
 Young Beman turned away quickly as if 
 angry with this new friend, and observing 
 the movement Corporal 'Lige asked Isaac: 
 
162 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 ** What's the trouble with yon skinflint? 
 Haven't been quarrelin', eh?" 
 
 **I think I have seen enough of a lad who 
 must be paid for all he does at such a time," 
 and having said this Isaac went in search of 
 his supper, not minded to make further 
 explanations. 
 
 Weary though he was, the lad was soon 
 forced to aid the corporal in getting the 
 boats' crews together, and after it was fully 
 dark those selected to act as oarsmen were 
 marched to the water's edge, that they might 
 be in readiness when their services were 
 required. 
 
 After this there was nothing to be done 
 save await the coming of the expected craft. 
 
 The men were not allowed to build fires 
 lest the lights should be seen by those in the 
 fort, and so cautious was the leader that 
 even loud talking was forbidden, therefore 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 153 
 
 the men could do little else than spend the 
 time in sleeping, a fact by no means dis- 
 agreeable to the majority after their march 
 of the day. 
 
 On the shore of the lake the oarsmen 
 followed the example of their comrades in 
 the woods, until all save the corporal and 
 Isaac were wrapped in the unconsciousness 
 of slumber. 
 
 The old soldier, considering himself re- 
 sponsible for the safety of the fleet, would 
 neither lie down nor allow his young lieu- 
 tenant to do so, and they paced to and fro on 
 the sand keeping sharp lookout for the 
 expected boats, but without avail. 
 
 Midnight came, and yet no word from 
 either of the two detachments which had 
 been sent in search of means of transpor- 
 tation. 
 
 Colonel Allen and Colonel Arnold, growing 
 
154 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 impatient because of the long delay, came to 
 the shore, and Corporal 'Lige stood stiff as 
 the barrel of his own musket when he 
 saluted. 
 
 **How many can be taken in the boats you 
 have here?" Colonel Arnold asked. 
 
 ''Somewhere about eighty, sir, and if it so 
 be you give the word we can ferry the whole 
 party across in three trips." 
 
 "That would never do," Colonel Arnold 
 replied decidedly. "We must go in a body 
 or give up all hope of surprising the gar- 
 
 rison." 
 
 In this Colonel Allen was agreed, and the 
 two officers remained near at hand, now 
 pacing to and fro, and again listening intently 
 for those sounds which would tell of the 
 hoped-for arrival, until it lacked no more 
 than two hours of daybreak, when they were 
 joined by Master Phelps and Colonel Easton, 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 155 
 
 the latter saying sufficiently loud for Isaac to 
 distinguish the words : 
 
 '* Unless such a move is made as may be 
 possible with the means at our disposal, the 
 plan of capturing the fort has come to naught, 
 for it isn't reasonable to suppose our party can 
 remain in this vicinity throughout to-morrow 
 without some intimation being given the 
 commandant by those who live in the 
 vicinity." 
 
 What was evidently a conversation be- 
 tween the officers followed ; but it was con- 
 ducted in so low a tone that Isaac could not 
 hear the words, and he Remained near at 
 hand expecting to receive the order to launch 
 the boats, until Colonel Easton called him by 
 name. 
 
 **You know where is situated the home of 
 the lad who guided Master Phelps into the 
 fort?" 
 
156 c6ri>oral 'LigU's recruit. 
 
 **0h, yes, sir; it is but a short distance 
 from here." 
 
 **Go you there, and bring the boy." 
 
 **I question if he will come, sir, unless I 
 make explanation of why he is wanted, or 
 promise that he shall be paid for thus dis- 
 turbing himself. He seems to have no 
 thought save of money." 
 
 ** Yet, his father is with us in this matter, 
 I am told, so far as opinion goes." 
 
 •Tes, sir." 
 
 *'Thengoand rouse the lad; if he refuses 
 to come, say to the father that Colonel Allen 
 requires the services of the boy, and if he 
 answers not what we make as a request, 
 I will send a detachment to enforce a 
 demand." 
 
 Isaac obeyed promptly, not finding it a 
 simple matter to make his way across the 
 field in the darkness ; but finally succeeding 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 15? 
 
 after one or two tumbles, each of which left 
 their marks in the shape of a scratch or con- 
 tusion, and with the first knock at the door 
 he heard Farmer Beman's voice asking as to 
 who was there. 
 
 **It is Isaac Rice, sir, and Colonel Easton 
 has sent me to say that Colonel Allen desires 
 the attendance of Nathan at once." 
 
 **What does he want him for?" the shrill 
 voice of Mrs. Beman cried, and Isaac replied 
 truthfully that he did not know, since no 
 explanation had been made him. 
 
 Then could be heard the farmer, his wife, 
 and son in what was evidently an altercation, 
 until no less than five minutes had passed, at 
 the end of which time young Nathan ap- 
 peared in the doorway fully clad, as he asked 
 impatiently : 
 
 **How much are they willing to give me for 
 coming out in the night like this?" 
 
158 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **I think it would be well if you depended 
 upon their generosity, otherwise it is in 
 Colonel Allen's power to force you to do as 
 he asks," Isaac replied curtly, and from the 
 inside Farmer Beman shouted : 
 
 **Get you gone, boy, and do their bidding. 
 If I again hear you demanding money for 
 such services, your jacket shall be tanned 
 with the stoutest hickory switch I can get 
 hereabouts." 
 
 One would have said young Beman was the 
 most abused lad in the province of New 
 York, as he followed Isaac down to the shore, 
 alternately bewailing his ill -fortune because 
 he had not given Captain Delaplace informa- 
 tion of the coming of such a body of men, 
 trusting to that officer's generosity for a 
 greater sum of money than was given him by 
 Colonel Allen, and vehemently protesting he 
 would not stir one step from the encamp- 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 159 
 
 ment without being well paid for his services. 
 Colonel Easton, overhearing this threat, 
 stepped directly in front of the grumbling lad 
 and called for Corporal 'Lige, much to the 
 surprise of both the boys, saying when the 
 old soldier arrived : 
 
 *' Corporal, it is Colonel Allen's wish that 
 this lad remain near him after we have 
 landed on the other side, to show the way 
 into the fort. He is not disposed to do so 
 willingly, it seems, and it shall be your dut}- 
 to see that the order be obeyed. If he 
 attempts to escape, shoot him down ; but give 
 him gentle treatment so long as he complies 
 with your requests." 
 
 **I'll take care of him, sir, that you may 
 deoend on," the corporal said grimly, and 
 from that instant Nathan Beman remained 
 silent regarding his desire to be paid for 
 acting the part of guide. 
 
160 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 Because of having received this order the 
 corporal was forced to relinquish his position 
 as commodore of the fleet, and thus it was 
 that he and his pupil were among the few 
 who entered Ticonderoga early that morning. 
 
 Within five minutes after Nathan had 
 apparently been subdued, word was passed 
 for as many of the Green Mountain Boys as 
 could be conveyed in the boats to embark at 
 once, and almost at the same moment Col- 
 onel- Easton, turning to the old man, said: 
 
 **It is your duty, Corporal 'Lige, to take 
 passage in the same craft that carries our 
 leader, for the lad of whom you have charge 
 must be kept where Colonel Allen can speak 
 to him at an instant's notice.** 
 
 Had the men been allowed to follow their 
 inclinations, the frail boats which formed the 
 fleet would have been swamped even before 
 they pushed off from the shore, for every 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 161 
 
 member of the troop was eager to be with 
 the first division, and it was only after con- 
 siderable difficulty in the way of restraining 
 the men that the different craft were 
 properly and safely loaded. 
 
 When the corporal and the lad who was 
 thus virtually held prisoner entered the boat 
 where was Colonel Allen, Isaac followed as 
 if it was his right so to do. 
 
 He could not fancy any position of affairs 
 where he would be debarred from remaining 
 with the man who had taken him *' under his 
 wing," and it so chanced that in the excite- 
 ment of embarking he passed aboard un- 
 heeded by who might have checked him. 
 
 The darkness of night was just giving way 
 to the gray light of dawn when the little fleet 
 put off from the shore, and without being 
 really aware he did so, Isaac counted the 
 number of those who were thus afloat. 
 
16J8 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 Beside the officers, there were eighty- 
 three, including himself and Nathan, and it 
 was no longer reasonable to expect that 
 those who had been sent to Skenesborough 
 and Panton would arrive in time to be of 
 assistance. 
 
 **Will they try to take the fort with so 
 few?" he asked in a whisper of Corporal 
 'Lige, and the latter added emphatically: 
 
 **If all that is told of Colonel Allen be true, 
 he wouldn't hesitate to make an attempt 
 single-handed." 
 
 **But surely we cannot hope to do much, 
 for fifty men behind a fort should be a much 
 larger force than ours." 
 
 ** Savin' and exceptin' these men be sur- 
 prised, as our leader counts them in Fort 
 Ticonderoga will be," the corporal replied, 
 and then placed his finger on his lips that the 
 lad should cease talking, for the order had 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 163 
 
 been passed from boat to boat just before the 
 fleet left the shore that no conversation be 
 indulged in. 
 
 Nathan, sulky because of having been put 
 in charge of the man whom he disliked, gave 
 no apparent attention to anything. 
 
 In almost perfect silence the journey by 
 water was made, and brought to an end just 
 as the day was breaking, when, in obedience 
 to signals rather than words, the men disem- 
 barked and were formed in three ranks close 
 to the water's ege. 
 
 Then it was that Colonel Allen advanced 
 to where the men might hear when he spoke 
 in the tone of ordinary conversation, and 
 said with a calmness which in itself was 
 impressive : 
 
 ** There are but few of us here to under- 
 take the work which was cut out; but yet 
 each of you should be a match for any two 
 
164 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 whom we may meet. Should we delay until 
 all the force can be ferried across, there will 
 be no longer opportunity to surprise the 
 garrison; therefore we must act for our com- 
 rades as well as ourselves, remembering that 
 should we falter we cast shame on them also. 
 Now, lads, it is my purpose to march into 
 the fort, and I only ask that you follow 
 where I lead." 
 
 The officers stepped forward quickly to 
 make certain there should be no cheering, 
 and wheeling about with true military pre- 
 cision Colonel Allen started forward. Colonel 
 Arnold by his ^de, and Corporal 'Lige with 
 Nathan and Isaac directly in the rear. 
 
 Behind them came eighty of the Green 
 Mountain Boys. 
 
 There was no command given. 
 
 Each of the men copied the movements of 
 the leader, and noiselessly but rapidly they 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 165 
 
 made their way up the heights toward the 
 sallyport, Isaac's face paling as he went, 
 for he believed of a surety now was come 
 the time when he should hear the clash of 
 arms and find himself in the midst of com- 
 batants, each striving to take the other's 
 life. 
 
 On passing an angle at the rear of the forti- 
 fication the entrance of a trench or covert- 
 way was come upon and here they surprised 
 a sentinel half asleep, leaning against the 
 earthwork. 
 
 Awakened thus suddenly, and seeing what 
 he might naturally suppose to be the advance 
 guard of a large force directly upon him, he 
 took hasty aim at Colonel Allen and pulled 
 the trigger. 
 
 Involuntarily Isaac closed his eyes, believ- 
 ing their leader must be killed at such short 
 range, but the weapon hung fire and the 
 
166 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 sentinel took to his heels through this trench, 
 the attacking party following at full speed. 
 
 The fugitive led the way to the parade- 
 ground within the barracks, where was found 
 another sentinel, and he made a thrust with 
 his bayonet at Colonel Easton, who was side 
 by side with the leaders ; but had hardly 
 raised his weapon before a blow from the flat 
 of Colonel Allen's sword sent him headlong 
 to the ground. 
 
 At this the men, unable longer to control 
 themselves, gave vent to a tremendous shout, 
 and without orders separated into two 
 divisions, each bent on gaining possession of 
 the barrack ranges. 
 
 As bees swarm out of their hives, so did 
 he startled redcoats rush from the buildings, 
 and it seemed to Isaac as if instantly each 
 man appeared he was disarmed by one of the 
 Green Mountain Boys, who, as fast as he 
 
BEFORE HE COULD SPEAK, COLONEL ALLEN CRIED: "I ORDER YOU INSTANTLY 
 
 TO SURRENDER, IN THE NAME OF THE GREAT JEHOVAH AND THE 
 
 CONTINENTAL CONGRESS." 
 
 Corporal ''Lige's Recruit^ p. 168. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 16? 
 
 secured a captive, marched him to the center 
 of the parade-ground in order that he might 
 not block up the entrance of the barracks. 
 
 Now was come the moment when Nathan's 
 services were required. 
 
 It was no longer possible to keep silence, 
 for the shouts of the men must have aroused 
 every one within the inclosure, and turning 
 quickly. Colonel Allen cried in a loud 
 voice: 
 
 **Get you before me with that lad, corporal 
 and let him lead the way to the command- 
 ant's quarters." 
 
 Nathan did not require urging. 
 
 He understood that this man had come 
 with serious purpose, and knew full well it 
 might be dangerous for him to hang back. 
 
 Darting ahead as swiftly as the corporal 
 would allow, he conducted Colonel Allen to 
 the door of Captain Delaplace's dwelling, 
 
168 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 and the leader gave three resounding knocks 
 with the hilt of his sword, as he shouted: 
 
 ** Surrender this fort, commandant! Sur- 
 render at once in order to save the lives of 
 your men!" 
 
 The door was quickly opened in response 
 to this demand, and a half-clad man, over 
 whose shoulder could be seen the frightened 
 face of a woman, appeared in the doorway. 
 
 Before he could speak Colonel Allen cried : 
 
 **I order you instantly to surrender, sir!" 
 
 **By whose authority do you make such 
 demand?" the captain cried with dignity. 
 
 **In the name of the Great Jehovah and the 
 Continental Congress!" 
 
 These words sounded in Isaac's ears like 
 the thunder of cannon, and even while he 
 questioned to himself if it were possible this 
 handful of men had really captured the for- 
 tress, Ticonderoga was surrendered. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 169 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. - 
 
 AN INTERRUPTION . 
 
 Nathan, who had looked upon the men 
 under Colonel Allen much as he had Cor- 
 poral 'Lige, was literally amazed by this 
 ready submission of the king's troops, stand- 
 ing silent and motionless by the side of Isaac 
 as the garrison was paraded without arms, 
 and the surrender made in due form. 
 
 Some days afterward Isaac learned that 
 the spoils of war at this place were one hun- 
 dred and twenty iron cannon, fifty swivels, 
 two ten-inch mortars, one howitzer, one 
 cohorn, ten tons musket-balls, three cart- 
 loads flints, thirty gun-carriages, a quantity 
 of shells, a large amount of material for boat 
 building, one hundred stand of small arms, 
 
no CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 ten casks of powder, two brass cannon, thirty- 
 barrels of flour and eighteen barrels of pork. 
 
 Forty-eight soldiers were surrendered and 
 preparations were at once begun to send 
 these, together with the women and children, 
 to Hartford. 
 
 Hardly was the surrender made complete 
 when such of the troops as had been left on 
 the opposite shore under Seth Warner, ar- 
 rived in a schooner, much to the surprise of 
 all, until it was learned that Captain Herrick, 
 who had been sent to Skenesborough to seize 
 the son of the governor, had succeeded in his 
 mission without bloodshed. 
 
 He took not only the young major, but 
 twelve negroes and attendants, seized the 
 schooner owned by the elder Skene, and had 
 come down the lake in the early morning 
 with the hope of aiding in the capture of 
 Ticonderoga. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 1*^1 
 
 Isaac had supposed this victory would end 
 the adventure, and was saying to himself 
 that his experience had been rather pleasing 
 than otherwise, so much so in fact that he 
 almost regretted the time was near at hand 
 for him to return home, when he saw, much 
 to his surprise, a portion of the troops being 
 formed in line as if to leave Ticonderoga. 
 
 Corporal 'Lige had been assigned to the 
 task of overhauling the goods in the ware- 
 house for the purpose of making out a list of 
 the same, and it was to him that Isaac, 
 followed by Nathan, went for information. 
 
 **Forming in line, eh?" the old man asked 
 as, wiping the perspiration from his face, he 
 went outside to have a look around, and 
 instantly he noted the preparations which 
 were making, turned back to his work as if 
 it was of but little concern. 
 
 **What is the meaning of that, corporal?" 
 
172 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 Isaac suggested. **Are we going back with- 
 out having stayed here a single day?" 
 
 ** There will be no turnin' back, lad, until 
 the work is finished, and the fort at Crown 
 Point yet remains to be taken. I allow Seth 
 Warner is goin' to tackle that job, which 
 won't be a difficult one, since it is said 
 there are not above a dozen men in the 
 garrison." 
 
 ** Suppose you an' I go with 'em?" Nathan 
 suggested, now no longer eager to demand 
 money for his services; but, fired by what 
 he had seen, and burning to participate in 
 new conquests. 
 
 **What do you say, corporal?" Isaac asked, 
 feeling that it was necessary to gain the old 
 man's permission before he could join in the 
 adventure. 
 
 Again Corporal 'Lige went to the door of 
 the warehouse, looking about him with the 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 173 
 
 air of a weather-prophet, after which he 
 replied in a careless tone : 
 
 **I don't reckon it makes any difference 
 whether you lads are here or sailin' 'round 
 the lake, therefore if Seth Warner gives his 
 permission, you may go so far as I am con- 
 cerned; but it'll be only a question of 
 whifflin' from one point to another, for while 
 the wind holds in this direction I'm allowin' 
 none of the force will reach Crown Point." 
 
 **The wind is likely to haul 'round after 
 sanset, so let us take our chances," Nathan 
 whispered, and Isaac was not loth to embark. 
 
 Therefore the two started across the 
 parade-ground for the purpose of speaking 
 with the old hunter— Seth Warner — when 
 Captain Herrick, who had just made his 
 report of the night's work at Skenesborough, 
 halted the boys by saying : 
 
 **I reckon you two lads are the ones Colo- 
 
174 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 nel Allen would speak with at once? You 
 will find him in the commandant's quarters." 
 
 **He is most likely thinkin' of pay in' me 
 for comin' over last night," Nathan said as 
 the two turned to obey the command, **and I 
 have made up my mind not to take money 
 for the service." 
 
 Isaac looked at his companion in surprise, 
 and the latter added almost shame-facedly: 
 
 **I reckon father was right when he said 
 every one in the colonies should do all he 
 could in this cause, and, besides, it looks to 
 me as if the king's troops would speedily get 
 the worst of it." 
 
 Young Beman was not unlike many in the 
 neighborhood who in after-days were royal- 
 ists or patriots as the cause of freedom grew 
 weak or strong. 
 
 However, Nathan had no opportunity to 
 refuse a payment of money for his services, 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 175 
 
 for when the lads stood before Colonel Allen, 
 the latter said in a tone of command, and yet 
 with the air of one asking a favor: 
 
 **I want to send a messenger to Sudbury. 
 Do you think you can find the place, Isaac 
 Rice?" 
 
 **I will show him the way, sir," Nathan 
 said promptly, and the colonel favored him 
 with a glance of surprise, but took no further 
 heed of his sudden complaisance. 
 
 *-At that settlement you will find one 
 Captain Remember Baker; tell him what has 
 been done at this point, and say it is my 
 wish he join me here without delay. Select 
 the lightest boat you can find for crossing 
 the lake, and make all haste." 
 
 Then the colonel turned away, intent upon 
 the work of preparing a list of the garrison 
 which had surrendered, and some of his 
 officers entering for further instructions pre- 
 
176 CORPORAL XIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 vented the boys from making any inquiries 
 concerning the mission. 
 
 On leaving the quarters, Nathan, eager to 
 serve this new commander of the fort with 
 all possible celerity, would have hastened at 
 once to the shore in order to set out, but that 
 Isaac insisted upon giving Corporal 'Lige due 
 information as to their proposed movements, 
 much to the displeasure of young Beman, 
 who claimed that the old soldier was of no 
 accjount when the colonel had given orders. 
 •*Well, this one is," Isaac said stoutly. 
 **He's a good friend of mine, and I wouldn't 
 think of leavin' without first tellin' him, no 
 matter whose orders I was obeying." 
 
 **Well, I s'pose you must have your own 
 way, but the time will come when you won't 
 think so much of that pig-headed old man as 
 you do now." 
 
 To this ill-natured remark the lad did not 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 177 
 
 reply, but on presenting himself to Corporal 
 'Lige and explaining what he was about to 
 do, the latter, still busy with his work of 
 taking account of the stores, made very 
 much the same remark as had Nathan. 
 
 ** Don't consider, lad, that you are to report 
 to me when ordered on duty. Be careful of 
 yourself; do not run into danger needlessly, 
 and get you gone without delay, for Colonel 
 Allen is a man who doesn't take kindly to 
 loiterers." 
 
 Nathan showed himself to be one who 
 could perform a task promptly and in good 
 order when it suited his pleasure so 
 to do. 
 
 He it was who selected the boat in which 
 they were to cross the lake; borrowed a 
 musket from one of the men that he might 
 not be forced to make the journey weapon- 
 less, and succeeding in begging such an 
 
178 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 amount of provisions as would serve them 
 for dinner. 
 
 While these few preparations were being 
 made, Warner, with a detachment of twenty- 
 five men from Colonel Allen's regiment, put 
 off on his journey to Crown Point, and after 
 watching them a moment Nathan Beman said 
 in a tone of one who is satisfied with himself: 
 
 **It's jest as well we didn't have a chance 
 to go with that crowd, for they won't get 
 anywhere near there until the wind changes, 
 and it seems as though whoever is in charge 
 of the job, ought to know it." 
 
 **I suppose the plan is to take the fort by 
 surprise, as was this one, and unless our 
 people get there soon, it will be a failure, 
 because the news of what has been done here 
 must fly over the country quickly." 
 
 ** While the wind blows this way, and so 
 strong, no one will get up the lake, therefore 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. I79 
 
 the garrison won't learn of the surrender of 
 Ticonderoga unless some one goes across the 
 country. However, we needn't bother, 
 seein's our work is all cut an' dried, and we 
 had better not waste too much time here." 
 
 Isaac was beginning to entertain a very 
 friendly feeling toward this lad now that he 
 had changed his views so entirely regarding 
 the value of his services, and, as a matter of 
 course, Nathan could be a most pleasing 
 traveling companion when it suited his pur- 
 pose, as it did at present. 
 
 The journey to Sudbury proved to be a 
 longer one than was anticipated. 
 
 A strong wind which blew directly down 
 the lake, carried the boys fully two miles 
 below the point at which they should have 
 landed, and Nathan was much averse to fol- 
 lowing back along the shore in order to gain 
 the trail which led to Sudbury, 
 
180 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **It will be just that much useless labor," 
 he said emphatically, **and I am not given to 
 walking more than may be necessary." 
 
 **But there's a chance of going astray if we 
 strike across from here," Isaac suggested, for, 
 as has already been shown, he knew little of 
 woodcraft, and this traveling blindly around 
 a section of the country where there was 
 every reason to believe enemies might be 
 found was not to his liking. 
 
 **rd be a mighty poor sort of a guide if I 
 couldn't go across from here without straying 
 from the course so much as a dozen yards," 
 Master Beman said decidedly. **To walk up 
 the shore two miles or more only for the 
 purpose of striking the trail, is foolishness." 
 
 ** But the thicket is so dense here," Isaac 
 suggested timidly, almost fearing to venture 
 an opinion lest ho should provoke the 
 mirth of his companion. **It will be harder 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 1*81 
 
 to make our way through than to go 
 around." 
 
 Nathan made no reply. 
 
 He bestowed upon 'Corporal 'Lige's recruit 
 a glance as of pity, and then, without further 
 words, plunged into the underbrush. 
 
 Master Rice could do no less than follow. 
 
 Before the boys had traveled half an hour 
 on the direct course to Sudbury, it is more 
 than probable young Beman repented of 
 having attempted to make a ** short cut," for 
 the advance was indeed difficult. 
 
 At times it was really painful to force 
 one's way through the tangled foliage, while 
 now and again the boys found themselves 
 floundering over swampy land; but Nathan 
 made no complaint because he was respon- 
 sible for having taken such a course, and 
 Isaac hardly dared protest lest his companion 
 should be angered. 
 
182 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **I still maintain that it was better to come 
 this way than travel two miles in vain," 
 Nathan said as he threw himself upon the 
 ground, and Corporal 'Lige's recruit ventured 
 to suggest mildly: 
 
 "I'd rather walk three- miles on the shore 
 than one here, where a fellow is obliged to 
 fight his way through." 
 
 *Terhaps you know this country better 
 than I do, and would take the lead?" 
 
 **Not so. You left Ticonderoga as guide, 
 and it would not be seemly in me, who am a 
 stranger here as well as a lad unaccustomed 
 to this sort of warfare which is now being 
 conducted, to do other than follow your lead; 
 but " 
 
 The remark which was intended to soothe 
 the irritation in the guide's breast was not 
 concluded, for Isaac was interrupted by the 
 sudden and unexpected appearance of three 
 
CORPORAL XIGE'S RECRUIT. 183 
 
 men, who came upon the boys as if from an 
 ambush. 
 
 "Hullo!" Master Beman cried carelessly as 
 if something in the way of a salutation was 
 expected from him. 
 
 Instead of replying to this hail the two 
 lads were seized roughly, and without a word 
 the strangers, taking possession of the mus- 
 ket, began searching the messengers' cloth- 
 ing as if expecting something of value or 
 importance would be found. 
 
 **Look here! What are you about?" 
 Nathan cried angrily, while Isaac submitted 
 in silence, for he understood that these three 
 might be enemies to the cause. **What 
 do you mean by handling me in this 
 shape?" 
 
 ** Better keep your tongue between your 
 teeth, young Beman," one of the men said in 
 a surly tone. **When we ask for information 
 
184 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 there'll be time enough for you to wag it so 
 freely." 
 
 Surprised at having been thus recognized, 
 and heedless of the warning, Nathan con- 
 tinued : 
 
 '*Who are you? I never saw you before! 
 What right have you to handle me in this 
 fashion?" 
 
 "The right of any of his majesty's subjects, 
 for in these times it is well to overhaul every 
 rebel one runs across." 
 
 **rm no rebel!" Nathan cried, now exhibit- 
 ing signs of alarm. 
 
 **Your father is, which amounts to the 
 same thing," the man replied, as, after hav- 
 ing satisfied himself the lad had nothing 
 concealed about his person, he rose to his 
 feet. **Why are you abroad to-day?" 
 
 **How long since is it that a lad may not 
 move about as he wishes?" 
 
CORPORAL 'LiaE'S RECRUIT. 185 
 
 ** Since rebellion first showed its head in 
 these colonies. Now, answer my question, 
 or it will be the worse for you!" 
 
 Isaac, thoroughly alarmed, had made no 
 resistance either by word or movement when 
 the stranger searched him, and although 
 ignorant, as he had often said, of warfare, 
 he understood now full well that they were 
 fallen into the hands of enemies, who would 
 not hesitate at the taking of human life in 
 order to compass their ends. 
 
 Therefore he remained stretched upon the 
 ground as when the men first came upon 
 them, so terrified that it was almost impos- 
 sible either to move or speak. 
 
 Young Beman was frightened, but not to 
 such an extent as to prevent him from dis- 
 playing anger, and instead of replying to the 
 question he attempted to rise to his feet. 
 
 A blow delivered with unnecessary force 
 
1^6 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 sent him headlong to the ground again, and 
 his captor said warningly : 
 
 **Have a care what you are about, Nathan 
 Beman, for we are not disposed either to 
 bandy words or waste much time on such as 
 you, who, having professed friendship for 
 those in the fort, was ready to betray them." 
 
 Now, Nathan's fears were as great as 
 Isaac's; but he made one more effort at 
 asserting himself, and began by telling a 
 lie.' 
 
 **What have I done at the fort? I am but 
 just come from my father's house." 
 
 **Take that for the falsehood, and this for 
 believing us to be fools, who can be deceived 
 by such as you," the man replied as he 
 viciously kicked the boy twice. '*You have 
 but just come from Ticonderoga, and must 
 have been sent by the rebels who captured 
 the fort." 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRtJIT. 187 
 
 *'What reason have you for saying that?" 
 Nathan asked in a more subdued tone. 
 
 *' First, the fact of your being here, and 
 secondly because your comrade spoke, while 
 we were within hearing, of your having been 
 sent from Ticonderoga." 
 
 Nathan shot an angry glance toward Isaac 
 as if Corporal 'Lige's recruit alone was to 
 blame for this unpleasant interruption to the 
 journey; but he ventured no reply lest 
 further chastisement might follow. 
 
 **Tell me to whom you are sent, and have 
 a care in the replying, for we are not minded 
 to waste much time upon such as you." 
 
 Nathan was beginning to understand that 
 he was wholly in the power of an enemy, 
 whom he could not readily deceive, and also 
 believed that it might be painful for him if 
 the answer was delayed. 
 
 He was not so devoted to the cause as to 
 
188 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 be willing to suffer in its behalf, and, there- 
 fore, said surlily: 
 
 **We were going to Captain Remember 
 Baker at Sudbury." 
 
 •*Who sent you?" 
 
 **Colonel Allen." 
 
 ** Where is the message you are carrying?" 
 
 **He gave us none save by word of mouth." 
 
 ** Repeat it, and be careful lest you make 
 the mistake of telling another lie." 
 
 ** There is nothing in it of importance or 
 interest to you. It was simply that Captain 
 Baker should come at once to Ticonderoga." 
 
 •'Then the fort was taken last night?" 
 
 **I thought you knew that?" Nathan cried 
 in surprise, now understanding that he had 
 divulged what it wsfe most important should 
 have been kept a profound secret until Crown 
 Point had been captured. 
 
 **We heard that the rebels were marching 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 189 
 
 toward the fort; but could not get there in 
 time to warn the commandant." 
 
 **Why was it you made prisoners of two 
 boys if you were not knowing to all that has 
 taken place?" Nathan asked, his curiosity 
 getting the better of his fears, 
 
 '*We took the chance that you could give 
 us the desired information, because it was 
 not reasonable old Beman's son should be in 
 this section unless on business of his father's, 
 and in these times one can well guesS what 
 that business might be. Therefore, having 
 heard you floundering through the thicket, 
 we drew near to listen to such conversation 
 as you might indulge in." 
 
 "Are you going to waste time explaining 
 our purpose to that young cub, Jason Went- 
 worth?" one of the men asked impatiently, 
 and he who had been addressed replied with 
 a laugh : 
 
190 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **We are not in as much haste now as we 
 were half an hour ago, Ezra Jones. Captain 
 Baker will not get the message, and while 
 the wind holds in this quarter I'm allowing 
 the rebels won't reach Crown Point before 
 we do." 
 
 '*They will if we loiter here all day. Truss 
 up the lads, so they can do no mischief, and 
 let us be off." 
 
 **Would you leave them here in the thicket, 
 Ezra Jones?" 
 
 **Why not?" 
 
 **They might starve to death, and while 
 I'm willing to serve the king in all things, it 
 is not my intent to be thus barbarous." 
 
 **They can make themselves heard if any 
 one passes by on the trail," the third man 
 replied very carelessly, and Ezra added 
 quickly : 
 
 **Ay! I had not thought of that, They 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 191 
 
 must be gagged, or, what may be better for 
 us, shot offhand." 
 
 **Are you willing to kill two boys in cold 
 blood, Ezra Jones?" 
 
 There was no reply to this question, and 
 Jason Wentworth turned round to the other 
 man. 
 
 ** Matthew White, will you take it upon 
 yourself to do what is little less than 
 murder?" 
 
 **No; carry them further into the thicket, 
 where they cannot be heard from the trail, 
 and there tie them up." 
 
 **It were better we shot them at once, than 
 leave them to starve," Jason Wentworth said 
 much as if speaking to himself, and during 
 this conversation the feelings of the two lads 
 can be faintly imagined. 
 
 The question of their death by bullet or 
 starvation was being discussed in such a 
 
192 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 business-like manner, as if there was no 
 alternative, that the boys were literally- 
 paralyzed with fear. 
 
 It seemed to Isaac Rice as if the three men 
 remained silent fully five minutes before 
 Jason Wentworth spoke again, and then it 
 was with the air of one who has decided 
 some vexed question. 
 
 **rm not willing to play the part of a 
 savage," he said, speaking slowly in order to 
 givje his words due weight. ** Neither do I 
 propose that they shall carry the message. 
 We'll take them with us." 
 
 "And thus we shall be caused much 
 delay," Ezra Jones muttered. 
 
 **If they are wise we will travel as rapidly 
 as when alone, and in case of a refusal to 
 obey orders they can be shot, or left to 
 starve, as easily half an hour hence as now. 
 Besides, there will be much work at the oars 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 193 
 
 'twixt here and Crown Point, and they can 
 do a little more than their share of it." 
 
 Perhaps it was this last suggestion which 
 caused the other two men to agree to the 
 proposition. 
 
 At all events, no further objection was 
 made, and Master Wentworth took it upon 
 himself to direct the march of the prisoners. 
 
 **You are to keep half a dozen paces in 
 advance, and take good care there is no 
 loitering, or any attempt at giving us the 
 slip," he said to the boys, who yet lay upon 
 the ground. **I do not propose that you shall 
 be starved to death; but at the same time I 
 would put a musket-lDall into one or both of 
 you without compunction, rather than suffer 
 delay or escape. Now get on your feet, and 
 move lively, for only by obedience can you 
 save your lives." 
 
 There was no disposition on the part of 
 
194 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 Colonel Allen's messengers to run counter to 
 the command which had been given. 
 
 Each knew full well that two of their three 
 captors were in favor of leaving them to a 
 most cruel death, which could be escaped 
 only by prompt acquiescence to all the 
 orders given. 
 
 Therefore it was they leaped to their feet 
 quickly, and set forward at a sharp pace, 
 when Jason Wentworth pointed out the 
 direction to be pursued. 
 
 At this moment it was Isaac who suffered 
 most in mind, for he knew full well that 
 Corporal 'Lige would condemn him for not 
 having the courage to face death rather than 
 give information to the enemy. 
 
 Even though it was Nathan who had 
 divulged what should have been kept a 
 secret, the raw recruit knew in his own heart 
 he had agreed that the information should be 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 195 
 
 given, because of having made no pro- 
 test. 
 
 If Seth Warner failed in his purpose, it 
 would be owing in a certain degree to what 
 had been told these men, and Isaac, who had 
 hoped to win renown, if not glory, by enlist- 
 ing, could charge himself with what was 
 worse than a blunder. 
 
 On the other hand Nathan was not sore in 
 mind because of the possibility that Crown 
 Point might still be held by the king's 
 troops ; but he had sufficient sense to under- 
 stand that if he had retraced his steps along 
 the shore to the trail, as Isaac proposed, this 
 capture might not have been made. 
 
 Therefore, but in a different fashion, was 
 his mental trouble as great as that of his 
 comrade. 
 
 To the chagrin of both the boys they came 
 upon the trail leading from the lake to 
 
196 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 Sudbury, after not more than two or three 
 minutes' traveling, and thus knew that if 
 their halt had been delayed a very short 
 time it might have been possible to have 
 given these enemies the slip. 
 
 Once on the trail word was given to halt, 
 and the three men held a brief consultation 
 as to the course they should pursue. 
 
 One was in favor of going directly to the 
 shore, where it appeared they believed a boat 
 could be found ; but the others insisted on 
 keeping within the thicket until they were 
 arrived a mile or more above the fort, lest, 
 being seen, pursuit should be made by those 
 who had captured Ticonderoga. 
 
 This last proposition prevailed, although 
 there were many chances they might not find 
 a boat further up the lake; but Jason Went- 
 worth persisted it would be better if they 
 make the journey entirely on foot, than take 
 
CORPORAL 'LICE'S RECRUIT. 197 
 
 the risk of being captured before word could 
 be carried to Crown Point. 
 
 On being commanded to push forward once 
 more the boys obeyed readily, if not will- 
 ingly, and during the hour which elapsed 
 before they gained the desired point, Nathan 
 and Isaac had ample opportunity for con- 
 versation, since their captors did not seem 
 to be averse to their talking one with * the 
 other. 
 
 **0f course, we shall be held prisoners by 
 the king's troops once we are arrived at 
 Crown Point," Isaac ventured to say after 
 they had traveled steadily, although slowly, 
 onward for nearly half an hour, and young 
 Beman replied in a petulant tone : 
 
 **That goes without saying, and it shows 
 what a fool I've been in running around with 
 those who would oppose the king's will. If 
 father is eager to ruin himself, that's no 
 
198 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 reason I should be a fool, and I'd better have 
 listened to mother." 
 
 **Why speak of what has been done?" 
 Corporal 'Lige's recruit asked in what he 
 intended should be a soothing tone. **I am 
 not acquainted with the country as you are, 
 neither am I so brave; but yet it seems as if 
 we should be on the alert for a chance to 
 escape." 
 
 **Now you talk like a fool! How may we 
 escape with these three men on watch, all of 
 whom are willing to shoot us at the first 
 chance we give them. I'm not minded to 
 have a bullet put through my body; but 
 would rather trust to the king's troops, in 
 the hope that after a time we may be set 
 free." 
 
 **Yet if we could give these men the slip?" 
 
 **You may be certain we shan't have a 
 chance." 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. I99 
 
 **Yet, suppose we did?" 
 
 **Why will you be so weak-headed, Isaac 
 Rice? If this is really war between the king 
 and the colonies, the lives of boys like us 
 count for but little, especially since two of 
 these men are eager to be rid of us." 
 
 Isaac understood that it was useless just at 
 this time to make any attempt at arousing 
 his companion from the petulant despond- 
 ency into which he had fallen, wherefore 
 wisely kept silent ; but at the same time was 
 firmly resolved to be on the lookout for any 
 opportunity of gaining his freedom. 
 
 His timorousness had fled before the 
 thought that there might yet be a chance, he 
 knew not how, of preventing the information 
 of the fall of Ticonderoga from being carried 
 to Crown Point. 
 
 The boy had in his heart just then what is 
 commonly called courage, and his will was 
 
200 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 good, at whatever cost to himself, to repair 
 the mischief which had been done. 
 
 He had hoped to animate his companion to 
 the same pitch, but the failure to do this did 
 not discourage him, and while obeying 
 strictly the orders given, he was keenly 
 aware of everything which might be of 
 benefit. 
 
 He heard the men discussing what they 
 would do in case of a failure to find a boat 
 near by where they gained the shore, and 
 learned that in such an event one of them 
 would return to the landing-place to get the 
 craft of which they knew, with the idea that 
 a single oarsman would not be molested 
 while pulling leisurely up stream as if bent 
 on business of his own. 
 
 He also understood that it was the purpose 
 of his captors, after warning the garrison at 
 Crown Point, to muster a force of Loyalists 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. ;30l 
 
 from the immediate vicinity, and march into 
 Sudbury with the idea of taking Captain 
 Baker and his men prisoners before a second 
 messenger should be sent from Ticon- 
 deroga. 
 
 There seemed little hope that such infor- 
 mation could avail him, and yet he was in a 
 certain degree elated because of having 
 gained it. 
 
 On arriving at the shore of the lake, where 
 the men had thought it possible a boat might 
 be found, no craft of any kind was to be 
 seen. 
 
 The wind still held strongly from the 
 north, and Jason Wentworth announced in a 
 tone of satisfaction: 
 
 **The rebels won't get very far on their 
 journey toward Crown Point this day, and I 
 am mistaken if the wind doesn't freshen 
 after sunset." 
 
202 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **It will be precious hard work for us to 
 make our way against such a breeze," Ezra 
 Jones grumbled, 
 
 **Ay; but we can do it with four oars out, 
 and even though we pull at them twenty- 
 four hours, the labor should count as 
 nothing so that we arrive in good time." 
 
 **But the garrison there is weak?" 
 
 **They should be able to hold out until 
 assistance can arrive. We can muster fifty 
 men for them within two hours; but stand- 
 ing here talking isn't doing the work, and 
 it's important we set off without unnecessary 
 delay. Ezra, you go down the shore, and 
 ^ Matthew up, each searching for a boat, and 
 when one has been found pull to this point, 
 where I will stay with the prisoners." 
 
 **Is it to your mind that I shall take the 
 craft from opposite the fort, running the risk 
 of being overhauled?" 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 303 
 
 '* Better that than remain here wasting 
 time in talk." 
 
 Matthew White was of the opinion that it 
 would be wisest to make the journey afoot 
 rather than take the risk of being overhauled 
 by the '^rebels;" but to this Master Went- 
 worth would not listen, and, he evidently 
 being the leader of the party, carried his 
 point. 
 
 The two men set out, and immediately 
 after their departure Jason Wentworth 
 ordered his prisoners back into the under- 
 brush a short distance from the shore, where 
 he stood guard over them, and at the same 
 time could keep close watch for the return 
 of his companions. 
 
204 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 A BOLD STROKE. 
 
 Isaac's heart beat hard and fast when he 
 and Nathan were thus left with but a single 
 man to guard them, for he believed the time 
 had come when they might succeed in turn- 
 ing the tables, because surely it would be 
 easier to overpower one than three. 
 
 In this, however, he soon came to under- 
 stand that he was mistaken. 
 
 Had either of the others been left on guard 
 it is possible something might have been 
 done; but Jason Wentworth was not a man 
 to be caught napping, and while he seem- 
 ingly directed his gaze out over the waters, 
 at the slightest movement of either of the 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 205 
 
 prisoners he was on the alert against an 
 attempt at escape. 
 
 Twice had Isaac changed his position in 
 order to make certain the man was keeping 
 close watch upon them when his attention 
 was apparently directed elsewhere, and each 
 time he saw Master Wentworth's musket 
 raised that it might be ready in case a bullet 
 was needed to check the flight of his 
 captives. 
 
 **Youhad better not try that again," the 
 man said warningly when Isaac shifted his 
 position the third time for no other reason 
 than to make himself more comfortable. 
 "In a case like this your lives count as 
 nothing, and while I am unwilling to leave 
 you to starve in the woods, I shall not hesi- 
 tate to kill either or both, therefore do not 
 make any feint at giving me the slip lest my 
 patience should become exhausted." 
 
206 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 After that Isaac was exceedingly careful, 
 as was young Beman, to remain silent and 
 motionless. 
 
 While Corporal 'Lige's recruit was ready to 
 encounter serious danger in order to accom- 
 plish his ends, there was no idea in his mind 
 of risking life needlessly when there was 
 nothing to be gained. 
 
 Young Beman lay face downward, as he 
 had thrown him self when the halt was called, 
 giving no heed to the conversation between 
 his comrade and Master Wentworth, and 
 Isaac believed young Beman intended 
 for him to understand that he would 
 take no part in an effort to effect their 
 release. 
 
 An hour passed and nothing had been 
 heard from the two who had gone in search 
 of a boat. 
 
 It surely seemed as if they must have met 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGES RECRUIT. 207 
 
 with some mishap, and a great hope sprang 
 up in Isaac's breast. 
 
 When thirty minutes more had passed 
 Master Wentworth's face gave evidence of 
 the anxiety which had come upon him, and 
 he looked toward his prisoners with such an 
 odd expression that Isaac Rice trembled, 
 fearing the man was beginning to believe it 
 would be better to do with them as his 
 friends had suggested. 
 
 Then, when it seemed impossible for Jason 
 Wentworth longer to control his impatience. 
 Master White returned as when he departed, 
 and having the appearance of one who had 
 walked far and rapidly. 
 
 *'You found no boat?" Master Wentworth 
 said interrogatively, and the man replied, as 
 he seated himself wearily near by the 
 prisoners : 
 
 **I do not believe there is one this side of 
 
208 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 Crown Point. Most likely the rebels took 
 good care to gather in every craft that was 
 to be found within half a dozen miles of 
 here." 
 
 For the first time since the little party 
 came to a halt did Nathan evince any interest 
 in what was going on around him, and now 
 he partially turned as if to speak. 
 
 Isaac, believing he was on the point of 
 telling what he knew regarding the seizure of 
 boats, covered the boy's mouth with his 
 hand, for he was not minded to give the 
 enemy any information. 
 
 Master Wentworth observed the movement, 
 and evidently would have demanded an 
 explanation, but for the fact that at this 
 moment Ezra Jones came up through the 
 thicket, instead of along the shore. 
 
 His report was much like Master White's. 
 
 The boat he had expected to find near the 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 209 
 
 trail leading to Sudbury was missing, and he 
 had continued on nearly two miles further, 
 but without avail. 
 
 Again did hope come into Isaac's despond- 
 ing breast. 
 
 The boy had believed Master Jones would 
 surely find the craft in which he and Nathan 
 had crossed the lake; but fortune favored 
 the **reber' cause in that respect at least, for 
 the man must have turned about, when, by 
 continuing on a very short distance further, 
 he would have come upon that for which he 
 was searching. 
 
 **We must go on foot," Master Wentworth 
 said after a short pause, ''and the sooner we 
 set out the better." 
 
 **It's all very well for you, who have been 
 resting here, to say that," Jones replied 
 petulantly. 'Tve been making a road 
 through the thicket for a matter of five miles 
 
210 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 or more, and don't propose to move again 
 until after I've had a breathing spell." 
 
 **Why didn't you come back by the shore, 
 as you went?" 
 
 ** Because there are a hundred pair of eyes 
 watching this side of the lake. I could see 
 the rebels on the opposite shore before I 
 gained the trail, and then it was necessary to 
 keep well hidden in the bushes. Even 
 though I had found a boat, it is doubtful if I 
 should have been allowed to pull up this 
 way, for Seth Warner and Ethan Allen are 
 much too keen to let any one pass who is 
 headed in the direction of Crown Point." 
 
 ** They are waiting for the wind to die away 
 before setting out to take the fort, and if we 
 would save it to the king it is time to be 
 about the work," Master Wentworth said 
 half to himself, but his comrades gave no 
 heed to the words. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 211 
 
 Then ensued a long time of silence, and 
 Isaac was well content, for each moment of 
 delay lessened the danger, as he believed. 
 
 Thanks to the indolence of Masters White 
 and Jones, it was nearly nightfall before 
 they were ready to begin the journey, and 
 then the latter intimated that he had re- 
 covered from his fatigue. 
 
 *'If we fail to give the warning in time, 
 you and White can take the fault to your- 
 selves," Master Wentworth said angrily, after 
 which he ordered the prisoners on in advance 
 once more. 
 
 **They have begun to quarrel among them- 
 selves, and perhaps our time will come 
 before morning,'* Isaac whispered to Nathan 
 as they pushed on in advance, and young 
 Beman appeared more willing to listen than 
 when the subject was first broached ; but yet 
 he made no reply. 
 
212 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 An hour later night had fully come, and 
 the flying clouds so completely obscured the 
 sky that it was difficult for the travelers to 
 make their way even along the shore where 
 was nothing, save here and there a point of 
 BOcks, to impede the progress. 
 
 More than once did the boys walk directly 
 into the water, and twice Master White fell 
 headlong over a fallen tree, despite all 
 efforts to the contrary, and then it was 
 Jason Wentworth who proposed a halt. 
 
 **We are not making two miles an hour at 
 this rate," he said in the tone of one who is 
 offended with his companions. **We may as 
 well stop where we are until it is light 
 enough for us to see the way." 
 
 Nathan and Isaac came to a halt imme- 
 diately, and, ordering them to keep close by 
 his side, the leader of the party sought for a 
 camping-place amid the shrubbery. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 213 
 
 It was not possible to make any choice 
 selection while it was so dark that one could 
 not distinguish objects a dozen paces in 
 advance, and at the first cleared space suffi- 
 ciently large to admit of the men stretching 
 out at full length, Master Wentworth made 
 his preparations for the night. 
 
 He ordered the boys to lie down ; covered 
 them with four or five saplings, and on the 
 ends of these he and Master White laid them- 
 selves in such manner that the first move- 
 ment made by the prisoners must awaken 
 the captors. 
 
 It was the Indian method of guarding 
 captives; but, owing to the absence of robes 
 or blankets with which to cover the ends of 
 the saplings, those who lay on the outside 
 had a most uncomfortable bed. 
 
 Isaac, still on the alert for any advantage, 
 observed, rather by sense of hearing than of 
 
ai4 CORPORAL 'LIGES RECRUIT. 
 
 sight, that Master Wentworth kept his mus- 
 ket close beside him, while the other two 
 leaned their weapons against the bushes. 
 
 It seemed to Corporal 'Lige's recruit as if 
 Nathan Beman had finally come to under- 
 stand that escape might yet be possible, for 
 the latter prodded his comrade with his 
 elbow from time to time, as if to prevent him 
 from falling asleep, and Isaac returned the 
 pressure with vigor. 
 
 Then, when it appeared as if fully an hour 
 had passed, the heavy breathing of the men 
 told that they were fast asleep, and Nathan 
 whispered cautiously : 
 
 ** These fellows ain't so smart as I'd 
 counted on. I've heard father tell how he 
 outwitted the savages when they had him in 
 the same kind of a trap, an' I can work this 
 if you're ready." 
 
 ** Begin at once; there is no time to lose." 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 215 
 
 Then it was that young Beman breathed 
 loudly as if wrapped in profound slumber, 
 and tossed about restlessly, all the while 
 pressing against Master White. 
 
 Isaac did not understand the purpose of 
 such maneuver, but he was content with know- 
 ing that his comrade had at last consented to 
 make an effort toward escape. 
 
 More than once Master White partially 
 awakened, and grumbled because of Nathan's 
 restlessness; but at the same moment he 
 unconsciously moved aside slightly, and each 
 time he did this the prisoners were so much 
 nearer liberty. 
 
 Then came the time when Nathan whis- 
 pered: 
 
 **He has at last rolled off the saplings, and 
 I can crawl away without disturbing him. 
 Are you ready to follow?" 
 
 **Yes. Can't you get the muskets? Two 
 
2ia CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 are near our feet, and the other is by the 
 side of Wentworth." 
 
 *'It is enough if we give them the slip." 
 
 **If we get possession of the muskets they 
 cannot send a bullet after us in case one 
 awakens before we are well off." 
 
 *'ril try it," Nathan replied as he began 
 wriggling his body out from under the sap- 
 lings, not daring to move in the direction of 
 where Master White lay. 
 
 Isaac, literally trembling with excitement, 
 followed his example, and it seemed to him 
 as if half an hour had been consumed in the 
 task, when really no more than five minutes 
 were thus spent before the boys were on 
 their feet and the men apparently still 
 wrapped in slumber. 
 
 Even now Nathan would have made good 
 his escape without an effort to secure the 
 weapons, and pressed his comrade's arm to 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. ^17 
 
 intimate that there was no time to be lost; 
 but Isaac, dropping to his hands and knees, 
 crept toward Master Wentworth. 
 
 When the plan had so far succeeded that 
 they were on their feet, a bold scheme came 
 into Isaac's head, and he believed now was 
 come the time for him to gain the good 
 opinion of Corporal 'Lige, if he should be so 
 fortunate as to see the old soldier again. 
 
 Moving with infinite care, and giving no 
 heed to what Nathan might be doing, the 
 boy crept to Master Wentworth's side, and it 
 was with difficulty he repressed a cry of exul- 
 tation as his fingers closed over the musket. 
 
 Cautiously rising to his feet, and at the 
 same instant assuring himself the flint was in 
 place, but forgetting that he had no powder 
 with which to prime the weapon, Isaac 
 stepped back to where he had left his 
 comradeo 
 
21$ CORPORAL 'LIOE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 Nathan was no longer there, but from a 
 short distance away came a slight rustling of 
 the foliage, and Isaac waited, his heart beat- 
 ing so violently that it seemed positive the 
 thumping must awaken their enemies. 
 
 Before Corporal 'Lige's recruit could have 
 counted twenty, Nathan stood by his side, 
 and it needed but one touch of the hand to 
 tell the former that all the weapons had 
 been secured. 
 
 Young Beman had done his work well, for 
 he not only held the two muskets, but a 
 powder-horn well filled, and a shot pouch 
 heavy with bullets. 
 
 Now it was that, having all the advan- 
 tage, Nathan began to be sensible of a glow 
 of patriotism, and he whispered to his com- 
 rade as he carefully primed one of the 
 muskets : 
 
 *'It wouldn't be a hard task to take these 
 
CORPOKAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. ;^19 
 
 fellows into Sudbury, if we had something 
 with which to fetter their hands." 
 
 "My mother made the cloth of this coat I 
 am wearing, and I promise that it's as strong 
 as a rope." 
 
 Without waiting for a reply Isaac began 
 stripping the garment into narrow bands, by 
 aid of his teeth, and the noise caused Master 
 Wentworth to half rise as he cried : 
 
 "Hey! White! Jones!" 
 
 "Stay where you are!" Nathan shouted. 
 "We've got all the muskets, and are in the 
 mood to shoot if you make any trouble. It 
 won't go much against the 'grain to put a 
 couple of bullets into the two who wanted to 
 leave us trussed up in the thicket, where we 
 would starve to death!" 
 
 Master Wentworth sank back upon the 
 ground very quickly, and at the same instant 
 must have discovered that his ammunition 
 
220 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 had not been seized, for he cried to his 
 companions : 
 
 **They can't prime the muskets, and it is 
 the same " 
 
 ** You'll know whether we can or not if 
 you make any move ! Don't think we were 
 such fools as to forget that part of the busi- 
 ness! I've got all the powder and balls 
 that'll be needed to give you three a solid 
 dose. Tie Master Wentworth's hands behind 
 his back, Isaac, and if he so much as winks 
 while you are doing it I'll quiet him. Lie 
 down!" he added fiercely as in the dim light 
 he saw one of the others attempting to rise. 
 **If you make any fuss we'll shoot first an' 
 talk afterward!" 
 
 It was more than probable one of the men 
 might, because of the darkness, have gotten 
 off without injury; but each knew that 
 should such an attempt be made Nathan 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 221 
 
 could shoot down perhaps two of the party, 
 and each probably feared it might be himself 
 who would receive the bullet. 
 
 Therefore it was that they obeyed young 
 Beman's orders strictly, and as soon as might 
 be Master Wentworth was lying on his face 
 with both hands tied securely behind his 
 back. 
 
 To fetter the others in the same fashion 
 was neither a long nor a difficult task, 
 because, like the bullies they were, both 
 showed the white feather when danger threat- 
 ened their precious selves, and no more than 
 fifteen minutes had elapsed from the time 
 Nathan first set about making the attempt at 
 escape before the prisoners were powerless 
 for harm. 
 
 With their hands thus securely lashed 
 behind them, it was impossible for the men 
 to rise without assistance, and while Nathan 
 
222 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 stood with the musket raised that he might 
 shoot at the first show of resistance, Isaac 
 helped the prisoners to their feet. 
 
 *'Now it is you three who will obey our 
 orders, instead of knocking us about," Young 
 Beman said gleefully, **and I'll make the 
 same threat Master Wentworth did : At the 
 first show of trying to escape, I'll shoot, an' 
 even though it is dark, there's little chance 
 of missing aim, for we shall keep close in the 
 rear. Take one musket, Isaac, and the other 
 we'll leave here, rather than hamper ourselves 
 by too much of a burden." 
 
 "Do you count on trying to make your 
 way through the thicket while it is so 
 dark?" Ezra Jones asked in a surly tone. 
 
 '•That's what we. shall do." 
 
 "Then you may as well shoot us off*hand, 
 for if it was hard work when we were free, 
 what chance have we with our hands tied?" 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 223 
 
 **If you think that is the best plan I'll 
 follow your advice, and never so much as 
 wince in the doing of it, for you was one 
 who would have left us to starve," Nathan 
 said so promptly that the man [involuntarily 
 ducked his head as if fearing a bullet might 
 follow the words. 
 
 ** Where are you bent on taking us?" Jason 
 Wentworth asked, after he had somewhat 
 recovered his composure. 
 
 **Our orders were to go to Sudbury, and I 
 think we'd better keep on in that direction, 
 rather than lose time by carrying you to 
 Ticonderoga. We could do that lasfc if we 
 pleased, for our boat is hidden among the 
 bushes nearabout where Master Jones turned 
 back. What say you, Isaac Rice? Is it to 
 be Sudbury, or the fort?" 
 
 **It is best we see Captain Baker as soon 
 as may be, and if you think we can find our 
 
224: CORPORAL 'LIGE'8 RECRUIT. 
 
 way through the woods, I'll say nothing 
 against a short cut, for time presses." 
 
 The prisoners were driven like sheep, both 
 boys marching directly behind them with 
 leveled muskets, and, as may be expected, 
 the advance was exceedingly slow. 
 
 The men stumbled over fallen trees, and 
 each of them fell headlong half a dozen 
 times before the seemingly long night came 
 to an end ; but still they were urged on at 
 the best possible pace until sunrise, when a 
 brief halt was made. 
 
 Two hours after the journey had been 
 resumed the trail was found, and from that 
 time on until the outskirts of the settlement 
 was gained, the party marched at a reason- 
 ably rapid rate of speed. 
 
 Once a glimpse of Sudbury was had Isaac 
 became exceedingly prudent, and insisted 
 upon calling a halt, while Nathan declared 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 225 
 
 they should press forward until the prisoners 
 could be delivered to Captain Baker. 
 
 **I shan't feel comfortable in mind until all 
 three are off our hands, for there's no know- 
 ing how many friends they may have in the 
 settlement." 
 
 '* That is exactly why I would halt here," 
 Isaac replied, and Corporal 'Lige would have 
 rejoiced had he known how rapidly his 
 recruit was learning his duties as a soldier. 
 **We do not know in which house Captain 
 Baker lives, and while making inquiries, still 
 having the prisoners with us, we might come 
 upon those who would turn the tables once 
 more, before we had so much as gained 
 speech with the officer." 
 
 **Then what would you do?" 
 
 **We are within less than half a mile of the 
 settlement. Let us march the prisoners into 
 the thicket, where they will be hidden from 
 
226 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 view of any who may come this way, and 
 while one stands guard over them, the other 
 can seek out the captain. After that has 
 been done he can take charge of the affair, 
 and our work will be well and thoroughly 
 done." 
 
 **Who is to remain here?" Nathan asked. 
 
 ** It shall be as you say." 
 
 Young Beman remained silent a moment, 
 axid then, with the air of one who has 
 decided an important question, said: 
 
 **You shall go into the settlement, and if 
 either of these Tories so much as opens his 
 mouth while you are gone, I'll put a bullet 
 through him." 
 
 **And you must not hesitate to carry out 
 that threat," Isaac added firmly. **Now is 
 come the time when we may prevent any 
 news from being carried to Crown Point, and 
 at the same moment deliver Colonel Allen's 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 227 
 
 message, therefore blood must be spilled if 
 necessary." 
 
 Jones and White looked thoroughly- 
 alarmed, while Jason Wentworth said 
 approvingly : 
 
 *'You lads are in the right, from your own 
 standpoint, which is a wrong one, however; 
 but since we have been so dull as to let you 
 get the best of us, is is but proper we should 
 pay the penalty for disobeying orders." 
 
 **Will you give us your word not to make 
 an outcry if any person should pass by on the 
 trail?" Isaac quietly, having no little respect 
 for this enemy who could look upon the 
 situation so fairly. 
 
 **If by giving up my life I can prevent the 
 capture of Crown Point, you may be certain I 
 shall not hesitate." 
 
 Isaac looked significantly at Nathan, as if 
 to say that this man should be guarded more 
 
228 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 closely than the others, and after the 
 prisoners had been marched into the thicket, 
 where they were completely hidden from 
 view, Corporal 'Lige's recruit set out, Nathan 
 calling after him : 
 
 **Do not loiter by the way, either in going 
 or coming, for I am not quite at my ease 
 while alone." 
 
 **Have no fear I shall delay. It should 
 not be a long task to find Captain Baker, and 
 most likely you'll see me again in less than 
 an hour. Keep your wits about you, and 
 remember how much mischief may be done 
 if you hesitate to shoot when it becomes 
 necessary to do so." 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 229 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 CROWN POINT. 
 
 Never since the moment when Corporal 
 'Lige had promised to make a soldier of him, 
 had Isaac Rice been as happy as now. 
 
 He had atoned for the mistake made when 
 they first set out on the journey, although it 
 was really none of his, and, in addition to 
 having prevented the news of what had been 
 done at Ticonderoga from being carried to 
 Crown Point, had as prisoners three who 
 could have made no slight amount of trouble 
 for the colonists. 
 
 Surely the old corporal would praise 
 Nathan and himself, and he glowed with 
 pride as he thought of the report he could 
 make on his return to the fort. 
 
230 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **0f course Nathan Beman has as big a 
 share in this work as I, and it is his right; 
 but I know it was not me who grew faint- 
 hearted when we were in the power of the 
 enemy, an' there's a deal of satisfaction in 
 that thought." 
 
 On arriving at Sudbury, half an hour after 
 having left his comrade, Isaac made inquiries 
 for Captain Baker's dwelling, and learned 
 that had Nathan's proposition been carried 
 out, they would have been forced to parade 
 the prisoners through the entire settlement 
 before coming upon the house. 
 
 The captain was within sound of his wife's 
 voice when Isaac finally stood before the 
 good woman asking to see her husband, and 
 came up quickly ; but with a look of disap- 
 pointment on his face when he saw his visitor 
 was only a boy. 
 
 "Is this Captain Remember Baker?" Cor- 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 231 
 
 poral 'Lige's recruit asked, for he was not 
 minded any mistake should be made now 
 that his work was so nearly accomplished. 
 
 **Yes; what do you want?" 
 
 **I am come from Colonel Allen " 
 
 "Where is he?" the captain asked eagerly. 
 
 **That I may not tell you until we are 
 alone." 
 
 **Come into the house! Come in and 
 refresh yourself, and you shall tell me that 
 with which you are charged while partaking 
 of such food as my wife can prepare 
 quickly." 
 
 **It is not well for me to spend tim^i in 
 eating until after Nathan Beman is relieved 
 from his charge." 
 
 **What have you to do with that young 
 Tory, if it is true that you come from Ethan 
 Allen?" and now the captain began to show 
 signs of being suspicious. 
 
^32 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **I will tell the whole story, beginning with 
 the capture of Ticonderoga " 
 
 **So the fort has been taken by our peo- 
 ple!" Captain Baker cried joyously as he 
 clasped the messenger by the hand with such 
 force as to make the boy wince. ** Tell me 
 quickly! When was the work done?" 
 
 More than once before he had come to the 
 story of his and Nathan's adventures was 
 Isa^c interrupted by the eager soldier ; but 
 after a certain time he succeeded in impart- 
 ing all the information, and was rewarded by 
 hearing the captain say: 
 
 **You showed rare good sense in leaving 
 the prisoners outside the settlement, for 
 while we in Sudbury are with the colonists 
 in their task of teaching the king a much- 
 needed lesson, there are some who might 
 have tried to work mischief had you applied to 
 them asking the location of my dwelling. Wait 
 
so THE FORT HAS BEEN TAKEN BY OUR PEOPLE I " CAPTAIN BAKER CRIED, 
 CLASPING THE MESSENGER BY THE HAND. 
 
 Corporal 'Lige's Becruit, p. m. 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 233 
 
 here until I can summon a few of the Green 
 Mountain Boys, who have been awaiting word 
 from Ethan Allen, and we'll soon relieve 
 you of the Tories." 
 
 Captain Baker ran out, not stopping for a 
 reply, and while he was absent his wife 
 insisted on Isaac's eating such food as she 
 had already prepared, until it seemed to the 
 boy that he would not need anything more 
 for twenty-four hours. 
 
 Then six men, each armed with a musket, 
 arrived, ajnd were ushered into the house, and 
 Isaac was called upon to tell once more of 
 how Ticonderoga had been captured, after 
 which the party set out to find the prisoners. 
 
 Corporal 'Lige's recruit acted the part of 
 guide, and in less than an hour the three 
 Tories, having been given a liberal supply of 
 cornbread, were being marched back on the 
 trail toward the captured fort. 
 
234 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 Both Isaac and Nathan believed it was 
 their duty to accompany the prisoners; but 
 Captain Baker insisted that they remain at 
 his home in order to gain the repose which 
 was needed, promising that they should 
 arrive at Ticonderoga nearly as soon as if 
 they had gone with the company escorting 
 the Tories. 
 
 Therefore it was the boys remained, well 
 content with the work they had performed, 
 and not until the morning of the twelfth of 
 May was the return journey begun. 
 
 Then the wind was blowing gently from 
 the southward, and Nathan said mournfully: 
 
 **We have of a surety lost the chance of 
 going to Crown Point, for the hunter will be 
 up and doing this morning, and is likely well 
 on his way by this time." 
 
 Overhearing his words the captain added: 
 
 **Ay, lad if he didn't get there yesterday, 
 
CORPORAL LIGE'S RECRUIT. 235 
 
 which I misdoubt, you may count that he 
 started before daybreak this morning; but 
 you can have the satisfaction of knowing 
 that save for your work, his task might not 
 be so easy." 
 
 ** Think you he can surprise the garrison?" 
 Isaac asked. 
 
 *'I see no reason why it should not be done, 
 especially after your capture of the Tories, 
 for thus far Colonel Allen has succeeded in 
 keeping his movements a secret, at least 
 from the people in this section of the 
 country, and why may you not say the same 
 of Crown Point?" 
 
 To the surprise of the boys no less than 
 twenty men were assembled in front of Cap- 
 tain Baker's house by the time breakfast had 
 been eaten, and on making inquiry Isaac 
 learned that these were all of the Green 
 Mountain Boys who had been ordered by 
 
236 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 their leader to rendezvous at Sudbury until 
 summoned elsewhere. 
 
 The company, under command of Captain 
 Baker, took up the line of march over an old 
 trail through the woods, marching to a point 
 on the shore of the lake nearly two miles 
 further down from where the boys had 
 landed, when they came from the fort. 
 
 There, snugly hidden in the thicket ready 
 for just such an emergency as had already 
 come, were found four stout boats, each 
 capable of carrying not less than a dozen 
 men, and after all were embarked and the 
 little fleet pushed off from the shore, it 
 appeared quite formidable. 
 
 Each craft boasted of a sail, and with the 
 wind from the southward there was no need 
 of labor at the oars, therefore this portion of 
 the journey promised to be mostj^leasant. 
 
 **This is different from what we expectecj 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 237 
 
 when Master Wentworth marched us in front 
 of his musket," Isaac said in a tone of con- 
 tent, and his comrade replied : 
 
 "We got out of a small hole in fine 
 style." 
 
 It was when they were midway from the 
 point of embarkation to Fort Ticonderoga 
 that young Beman cried excitedly, pointing 
 toward that shore which they had just 
 quitted, where could be seen two small 
 boats laden with men who were pulling into 
 a cove as if seeking shelter : 
 
 **It looks to me as if those fellows are 
 wearing red coats!" 
 
 It was the first intimation Captain Baker 
 had that there were others in the immediate 
 vicinity, and instantly he gave word for the 
 boats to be hauled around for the purpose of 
 learning who these strangers were. 
 
 Hardly had this inaijeuver been executed 
 
2a8 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 when one of the men announced positively 
 that young Beman was right in his 
 conjecture. 
 
 **They are most likely Britishers, who 
 escaped from Ticonderoga, or have come 
 from Crown Point on their way to St. John in 
 search of reinforcements," Captain Baker 
 cried excitedly, and orders were given for the 
 men to take to the oars. 
 
 Then ensued a chase which was . quickly 
 en3ed, owing to the precaution taken by the 
 Britishers themselves. 
 
 They had put into the cove hoping to 
 escape detection, and it proved to be a trap 
 for them. 
 
 No sooner were the boats arrived off this 
 place of refuge than Captain Baker gave 
 orders for them to be strung out in line, thus 
 cutting off all hope of escape by water, and 
 in his own craft pulled near to where the two 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 239 
 
 boats, manned by seven soldiers, were drawn 
 up as if prepared to do battle. 
 
 It was soon evident they understood well 
 the truth of the old adage that *' discretion is 
 the better part of valor," for immediately 
 Captain Baker called upon them to sur- 
 render, they threw their arms into the 
 bottom of the boat in token of submission. 
 
 Nathan was most grievously disappointed. 
 He had fancied there might be a skirmish, or 
 at least an exchange of shots, for until the 
 morning when Ticonderoga was taken so 
 readily he had believed the king's soldiers to 
 be invincible, and even now he was not pre- 
 pared to see them surrender to a force little 
 more than four times their number. 
 
 The prisoners readily answered the ques- 
 tions put by the captain. 
 
 They were from Crown Point, and having 
 learned of the surrender of Ticonderoga had 
 
240 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 been dispatched by the sergeant in command 
 of the garrison, for reinforcements. 
 
 They stated, in addition, that it was not 
 believed those who had taken Ticonderoga 
 would push on to Crown Point immediately, 
 consequently plenty of time remained in 
 which that post might be reinforced. There- 
 fore it was the sergeant in command had not 
 hesitated to weaken his small garrison by 
 thus sending seven men on a mission which 
 might more readily have been accomplished 
 by one. 
 
 ** There is yet time for us to do Seth War- 
 ner a good turn," Captain Baker cried suflS- 
 ciently loud for all his men to hear. **It is 
 more than likely the garrison at Crown Point 
 will hold out when the Green Mountain Boys 
 demand its surrender, believing reinforce- 
 ments are, or speedily will be, on the way. 
 Now, instead of stopping at Ticonderoga, our 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 241 
 
 plan is to push directly on to the fort, and 
 when it is known that we have captured the 
 messengers I reckon the fortification will be 
 surrendered with but little parley." 
 
 Although the captain had thus spoken as if 
 making a suggestion, his men understood 
 that his words were little short of a com- 
 mand, and after transferring the prisoners 
 the fleet was gotten under way. 
 
 Thanks to the freshening wind the boats 
 were soon making good time in the race to 
 overtake the force led by Seth Warner. 
 
 "And it is to be Crown Point for us, after 
 all!" Nathan cried exultantly, whereat, 
 hearing the words, Captain Baker asked: 
 "What is your name, lad?" 
 "Nathan Beman from Shoreham." 
 "So? I knew your father was on the right 
 side; but understood that you and your 
 mother were hardly to be trusted," 
 
242 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **I cannot say anything for mother; but 
 since I have seen the king's soldiers sur- 
 render so readily I am with the Green Moun- 
 tain Boys and those who share their 
 opinions." 
 
 **When you are so nearly with them as to 
 enlist, come to me, lad, and I will give you a 
 musket in the best company that can be 
 found this side of Cambridge." 
 
 Isaac looked at his new friend reproach- 
 fully, and the latter said with a laugh: 
 
 **I know all you are thinking; but when I 
 enlist, and it ain't certain but that I shall do 
 so soon if the people continue to hold out 
 against the king, I propose to set my name 
 down for that company to which you 
 belong." 
 
 **Do so when we go back to the fort," 
 Isaac cried gleefully, **and side by side you 
 and I will see many a brave adventure." 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 243 
 
 **But the trouble is we may see more than 
 will be pleasing, though I truly believe I 
 shall enlist." 
 
 **And Corporal 'Lige shall teach us both a 
 soldier's duty." 
 
 This proposition apparently did not meet 
 with favor, for Nathan at once changed the 
 subject of the conversation by inquiring 
 regarding the probable condition of aifairs 
 at Crown Point, after which the boys listened 
 to the conversation of their companions as 
 they spoke of Lexington and Concord, and 
 of what should be done to avenge the 
 murders committed there. 
 
 And now it came to pass that these two 
 lads were most grievously disappointed in 
 their anticipations concerning the capture of 
 the fort. 
 
 Probably each had in his mind the thought 
 that he was to see somewhat of war, more at 
 
244 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 least than had been witnessed at Ticon- 
 deroga; but it was not to be. 
 
 As the little fleet approached the point, 
 Warner and his men were just disembarking. 
 
 Although Captain Baker's party was but a 
 mile away at that time, when they gained 
 the shore the garrison had been surrendered 
 without the firing of a gun, and the booming 
 of the cannon told that again were the ** imi- 
 tation soldiers" successful in their efforts to 
 teach his majesty a lesson. 
 
 One hundred and fourteen cannon, of 
 which sixty -one were fit for service, were 
 among the spoils on this morning, and after 
 having made up a list of such goods as were 
 found in the fort, Seth Warner did the two 
 lads the great favor of sending them to Colo- 
 nel Allen with the news of the bloodless 
 victory. 
 
 **Go you on ahead, lads," Captain Baker 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRTJIT. 245 
 
 said when the boys had been intrusted with 
 the message. **I won't spoil a good fortune 
 by seeming to accompany you; but will 
 linger here until you are well on the way, 
 and after having given Ethan Allen the best 
 news he could possibly receive at such a 
 critical time, I very much question whether 
 you may not ask whatsoever you will from 
 him." 
 
 Hurriedly the messengers departed in order 
 that they might arrive well in advance of 
 Captain Baker's company, and when they 
 were pulling down the lake, Isaac said 
 thoughtfully : 
 
 **You heard what Captain Baker said, that 
 Colonel Allen might grant anything we 
 asked?" 
 
 **Yes, and I know what is in your mind 
 this minute." 
 
 **Name it then." 
 
V.46 CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRUIT. 
 
 **You think I am counting -on asking him 
 for money." (^ - 
 
 Isaac's face flushed and he made no reply. 
 
 **I might have done so a few days ago, but 
 now I am coming around on the same track 
 with father, and say that the colonists do 
 right in resisting the king. If it so be he 
 permits, I will enlist this day." 
 
 And Nathan Beman kept his promise, even 
 going so far as to desire Corporal 'Lige 
 should stand sponsor for him when, the mes- 
 sage having been delivered. Colonel Allen 
 thanked them again and again for the 
 cheering intelligence and asked what they 
 would choose as their reward. 
 
 **Only the permission to enlist," Nathan 
 said, and the colonel stared at him in open- 
 mouthed astonishment for several seconds, 
 after which he asked with a laugh : 
 
 **Are you not the same lad who so thirsted 
 
CORPORAL 'LIGE'S RECRtJiT. U1 
 
 for money that he refused to show the way 
 into the fort unless first paid for his 
 services?" 
 
 *'Ay, sir; but I have come to think differ- 
 ently since then, and now I'm going for a 
 soldier, because it looks to me as if the 
 colonists would speedily worst the king." 
 
 ** Whereas a few days ago it appeared to 
 you that the boot was on the other foot?" 
 
 **I did not think farmers could be turned 
 into soldiers, sir." 
 
 "You may readily believe it now, lad, 
 more especially since you have seen how 
 easy it is for one who was almost a royalist 
 to become a good American, and now I am 
 speaking of yourself. Enlist wherever you 
 will, and I will take it upon myself to see 
 that both you lads rise in the service as 
 rapidly as you shall deserve." 
 
 THE END. 
 
A. L. BURT*S PUBLICATIONS 
 
 For Young People 
 
 BY POPULAR WRITERS, 
 
 97-99-101 Reade Street, New York, 
 
 Bonnie Prince Charlie : A Tale of Fontenoy and CuUoden. By 
 
 G. A. Henty. Wi'h 12 full-page Illustrations by Gordon 
 
 Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 The adventures of the son of a Scotch officer in French service. 
 The boy, brought up by a Glasgow bailie, is arrested for aiding a 
 Jacobite agent, escapes, is wrecked on the French coast, reaches 
 Paris, and serves with the French army at Dettingen. He kills 
 his father's foe in a duel, and escaping to the coast, shares the 
 adventures of Prince Charlie, but finally settles happily in Scot- 
 land, 
 
 "Ronald, the hero, is very like the hero of * Quentin Durward.' The lad's 
 lourney across France, and his hairbreadth escapes, make up as good a nar- 
 rative of the kind as we have ever read. For freshness of treatment and 
 variety of incident Mr. Henty has surpassed himself." — Spectator. 
 
 With Clive in India ; or, the Beginnings of an Empire, By 
 
 G. A. Henty. With 13 full-page Illustrations by Gordon 
 
 Browne. 12uio, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 The period between the landing of Clive as a young writer in 
 fndia and the close of his career was critical and eventful in the 
 extreme. At its commencement the English were traders existing 
 on sufferance of the native princes. At its close \hey were masters 
 of Bengal and of the greater part of Southern India. The author 
 has given a full and accurate account of the events of that stirring 
 time, and battles and sieges follow each other in rapid succession, 
 while he combines with his narrative a tale of daring and adven- 
 ture, which gives a lifelike interest to the volume. 
 
 " He has taken a period of Indian history of the most vital importance^ 
 and he has embroidered on the historical facts a story which of itself is deeply 
 interesting. Young people assuredly will be delighted with the volume."— 
 Scotsman. 
 
 The Lion of the North : A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus and the 
 Wars of Religion. By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illus- 
 trations by John Schonberg. 12mo, cloth, price $1,00. 
 In this story Mr. Hen'y gives the history of the first part of the 
 Thirty Years' War. The issue had its importance, which has ex- 
 tended to the present day, as it established religious freedom 
 in Germany. The army of the chivalrous king of Sweden was 
 largely composed of Scotchmen, and among these was the hero of 
 the story. 
 
 '* The tale is a clever and instructive piece of history, and as boys may be 
 trusted to read it conscientiously, they can hardly fail to be profited."— ITime*. 
 
L. BtTHT'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 The Dragon and the Raven ; or, The Days of King Alfred. By 
 1. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by C. J. Stani- 
 /,AND, R.l. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 In this story the author gives an account of the fierce struggle 
 between Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England, and presents 
 a vivid picture of the misery and ruin to which the country was 
 reduced by the ravages of the sea- wolves. The hero, a young 
 Saxon thane, takes part in all the battles fought by King Alfred. 
 He is driven from his home, takes to the sea and resists the Danes 
 on their own element, and being pursued by them up the Seine, 
 is present at the long and desperate siege of Paris. 
 *' Treated in a manner most attractive to the boyish reader."— /if ^erumtm. 
 
 The Young Carthaginian : A Story of the Times of Hannibal. 
 By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by C. J. Stani- 
 LAND, R.I. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 Boys reading the history of the Punic Wars have seldom a keen 
 appreciation of the merits of the contest. That it was at first a 
 struggle for empire, and afterward for existence on the part of 
 Carthage, that Hannibal was a great and skillful general, that he 
 defeated the Romans at Trebia, Lake Trasimenus, and Cannae, 
 and. all but took Rome, represents pretty nearly the sum total of 
 their knowledge. To let them know more about this momentous 
 struggle for the empire of the world Mr. Henty has written this 
 story, which not only gives in graphic style a brilliant descrip- 
 tion of a most interesting period of historv, but is a tale of ex~ 
 citing adventure sure to secure the interest > f the reader. 
 
 " Well constructed and vividly told. From first to last nothing: stays the 
 interest of the narrative. It bears us along as on a jstream whose current 
 varies in direction, but never loses its torce.''''— Saturday Review. 
 
 In Freedom's Cause : A Story of Wallace and Bruce. ByG. A. 
 Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 
 12mo, cloth, price $1.00; 
 
 In this story the author relates the stirring tale of the Scottish 
 War of Independence. The extraordinary valor and personal 
 prowess of Wallace and Bruce rival the deeds of the mythical 
 heroes of chivalry, and indeed at one time Wallace was ranked 
 with these legendary personages. The researches of mod Li'n 
 historians have shown, however, that he was a living, breath lig 
 man — and a valiant champion. The hero of the tale fought under 
 both Wallace and Bruce, and while the strictest historical accuracy 
 has been maintained with respect to public events, the work is 
 full of "hairbreadth 'scapes" and wild adventure. 
 
 " It is written in the author's best style. Full of the wildest and most re- 
 markable achievements, it is a tale of irr<»i'- interest, which a boy, once he ha» 
 begun it, will not willingly put on one siuw *- !%€ Schoolmaster. 
 
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 With Lee in Virginia: A Story of the American Civil War. By 
 G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon 
 Browne. 13mo, cloth, price |1.00. 
 
 The story of a young Virginian planter, who, aft r bravely 
 proving his sympathy vrith the slaves of brutal masters, serves 
 with no less courage and enthusiasm under Lee and Jackson 
 through the most exciting events of the struggle. He has many 
 hairbreadth escapes, is seve al time-^ \^ounded and twice taken 
 prisoner; but his courage and readiness and, in two cases, the 
 devotion of a black servant and c^ a runaway slave whom he had 
 assisted, bring him safely througu all difficulties. 
 
 *' One of the best stories for lads which Mr. Henty has yet written. The 
 picture is full of life and color, and the stirring and romantic incidents are 
 skillfully blended with the personal interest and charm of the story."— 
 Standard. 
 
 By England's Aid ; or. The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585- 
 1604). By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by 
 Alfred Pearse, and Maps. 12uio, cloth, price $1.00. 
 The story of two English lads \ hn go to Holland as pages in 
 the service of one of " the fighting Veres." After many adven- 
 tures by sea and land, one of the lads finds himself on board a 
 Spanish ship at the time of the defeat of the Armada, and escapes 
 only to fall into the hands of the Corsairs. He is successful in 
 getting back to S ain und^'r the protection of a wealthy merchant 
 and regains his native country after the capture of Cadiz. 
 
 " It is an admirable book for youngsters. It overflows with stirring inci- 
 dent and exciting adventure, and the color of the era and of the scene are 
 finely reproduced. The illustrations add to its attractiveness."— Boston 
 Gazette. 
 
 By Right of Conquest ; or. With Cortez in Mexico. By G. A. 
 
 Henty. With full-page Illustrations by W. S. Stacey, and 
 
 Two Maps. 13mo, cloth, price $1.50. 
 
 The conquest of Mexico by a small band of resolute men under 
 the magnificent leadership of Cortez is always rightly ranked 
 among the most romantic and daring exploits in history. With 
 this as the groundwork of his story Mr. Henty has interw( ven the 
 adventures of an English youth, Koger Hawkshaw, the sole sur- 
 vivor of the good ship Swan, which had sailed from a Devon port 
 to challenge the mercantile supremacy o the Spaniards in the 
 New World. He is beset by many perils among the natives, but 
 is saved by his own judgment and strength, and by the devotion 
 of an Aztec princes-. At last by a ruse he obtains the protection 
 of the Spaniards, and after the fall of Mexico h'^ succeeds in re- 
 gaining his native shore, with a fortune and a charming Aztec 
 bride. 
 
 " ' By Right of Conquest ' is the nearest approach to a perfectly successful 
 historical tale that Mr. Henty has yet published."— Academy. 
 
4 A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 In the Reign of Terror : The Adventures of a Westminster Boy. 
 
 By G. A. Hknty. With full-page Illustrations by J. Sch6n- 
 
 BERG 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 Harry Sandwith, a Westminster boy, becomes a resident at the 
 chateau of a French marquis, and aft* r various adventures accom- 
 panies the family to Paris at the crisis of tbe Revolution. Im- 
 prisonment and death reduce their number, and tbe hero finds 
 himself beset by perils with the three young daughters of the 
 house in his charge. After hairbreadth escapes they reach Nan- 
 tes. There the jiirls are condemned to death in the coffin-ships, 
 but are saved by the unfailing courage of their boy i)rotector. 
 
 " Harry Sandwith, the Westminster boy, may fairly be said to beat Mr, 
 Henty's record. His adventures will delight boys by the audacity and peril 
 they depict. . . . The story is one of Mr. Henty's best."— -ba^urdaj; 
 Review. 
 
 With Wolfe in Canada ; or, The Winning of a Continent. By 
 G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon 
 Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 In the present volume Mr. Henty gives an account of the strug- 
 gle between Britain and France for supremacy in the North 
 American continent. On the issue of this war depended not only 
 the destinies of North America, but to a large extent those of the 
 mother countries themselves. The fall of Quebec decided that 
 the Anglo-Saxon race should predominate in the New World; 
 that Britain, and not France, should take the lead among the 
 nations of Europe; and that English and American commerce, the 
 English language, and English literature, should spread right 
 round the globe. 
 
 " xt 13 not only a lesson in histoiy as instructively a«? it is graphically told^ 
 but also a deeply interesting and often thrilling tale of adventure and peril by 
 flood and Qeld.''''— Illustrated London News. 
 
 True to the Old Flag: A Tale of the American War of Inde- 
 
 pendence. By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by 
 
 Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 In this story the author has gone to the accounts of oflBcers who 
 
 took part in the conflict, and lads will find that in no war in which 
 
 American and British soldiers have been engaged did they behave 
 
 with greater courage and good conduct. The historical portion of 
 
 the book being accompanied with numerous thrilling adventures 
 
 with the redskins on the shores of Lal-e Huron, a .story of exciting 
 
 interest is interwoven with the general narrative and cirriea 
 
 through the book. 
 
 " Does justice to the pluck and determination of the British sol 'iersaurin^ 
 the unfortunate struggle against American emancipation, Tht son of an 
 Amerifan loyalist, who remains true to our flag, falls among the hostile red- 
 skins in thit very Ilr.roii country which lias U'en endeared to us by the eCK 
 ploitsof Hawkeye and Chingachgook."— JTmj Timf^. 
 
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 The Lion of St. Mark : A Tale of Venice in the Fourteenth 
 Century. By G. A. Henty. Witli full-page Illustrations by 
 Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 A story of Venice at a period when her strength and splendor 
 were put to the severest tests. The hero displays a fine sense and 
 manliness which carry him safely through an atmosphere of in- 
 trigue, crime, and bloodshed. He contributes largely to the vic- 
 tories of the Venetians at Porto d'Anzo and Chioggia, and finally 
 wins the band of the daughter of one of the chief men of Venice. 
 
 ' Every boy should read ' The Lion of St. Mark.' Mr. Henry nas never prO' 
 duced a story more delightful, more wholesome, or more vivacious."— Saiwr- 
 day Review. 
 
 A Final Reckoning;: A Tale of Bush Life in Australia. By G. A, 
 Henty. With full-page Illustrations by W. B. Wollen, 
 12mo, cloth, price $1.00, 
 
 The hero, a young English lad. after rather a stormy boyhood, 
 emigrates to Australia, and gets employment as an officer in the 
 mounted police. A few years of active work on the frontier, 
 where he has many a brush with both natives and bushrangers, 
 gain him promotion to a captaincy, and he eventually settles 
 down to the peaceful life of a squatter. 
 
 " Mr. Henty has never published a more readable, a more carefully con- 
 structed, or a better written story than this."— /Specfafor. 
 
 Under Drake's Flag : A Tale of the Spanish Main. By G. A* 
 
 Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 
 
 12mo, cloth, price $L00. 
 
 A story of the days when England and Spain stru^led for the 
 supremacy of the sea. The heroes sail as lads with Drake in the 
 Pacific expedition, and in his great voyage of circumnavigation. 
 The historical portion of the story is absolutely to be relied upon, 
 but this will perhaps be less attractive than the great variety of 
 exciting adventure through which the young heroes pass in the 
 course of their voyages. 
 
 " A book of adventure, where the hero meets with experience enough, one 
 would think, to turn his hair gray."— jHarper's Monthly Magazine. 
 
 By Sheer Pluck : A Tale of the Ashanti War. By G. A. Henty. 
 
 With full- page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the de 
 tails of the Ashanti campaign, of which he was himself a witness. 
 His hero, after many exciting adventures in the interior, is de- 
 tained a prisoner by the king just before the outbreak of the war, 
 but escapes, and accompanies the English expedition on theii 
 march to Coomassie. 
 
 " Mr. Henty keeps up his reputation as a writer of boys' stories. ' By Sheer 
 9uck ' will ho eagerly read."— .4<AencBW/». 
 
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 By Pike and Dyke : A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic 
 By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Maynard 
 Brown, and 4 Maps. 12mo, cloth, price |1.(K). 
 In this story Mr. Henty traces the adventures and brave deeds 
 of an English boy in the household of the ablest man of his age — 
 William the Silent. Edward Martin, the son of an English sea- 
 captain, enters the service of the Prince as a volunteer, and is era- 
 ployed by him in many dangerous and responsible missions, in the 
 discharge of which he passes through the great sieges of the time. 
 He ultimately settles down as Sir Edward Martin. 
 
 " Boys with a turn for historical research will be enchanted with the book 
 while the rest who only care for adventure.will be students in spite of them 
 selves.'"— Si. James' Gazette. 
 
 St. George for England : A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. By 
 G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon 
 Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 No portion of English history is more crowded with great events 
 than that of the reign of Edward III. Cressy and Poitiers; the 
 destruction of the Spanish fleet; the plague of the Blacic Death; 
 tbe Jacquerie rising; these are treated by the author in " St. 
 George for England." The hero of the story, although of good 
 family, begins life as a London apprentice, but after countless ad 
 ventures and perils becomes by valor and good conduct the squire, 
 and at last the trusted friend of the Black Prince. 
 
 " Mr, Henty has developed for himself a type of historical novel for boys 
 •which bids fair to supplement, on their behalf, the historical labors of Sir 
 Walter Scott in the land of fiction.''— T/ie Standard. 
 
 Captain's Kidd's Gold: TheTrueStoryof an Adventurous Sailor 
 Boy. By James Franklin FiTTS. 12mo, clot'i, price $1.00. 
 There is something fascinating to the average youth in tlie very 
 idea of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy 
 Portuguese and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming 
 eyes — sinister-looking fellows who once on a time haunted the 
 Spanish Main, sneaking out from some hidden creek in their long, 
 low schooner, of picaroonish rake and sheer, to attack an unsus- 
 pecting trading craft. There were many famous sea rovers in 
 their day, but none more celebrated than Capt. Kidd. Perhaps 
 the most fascinating t^e of all is Mr. Fitts' true story of an adven 
 turous American boy, who receives from his dying father an 
 ancient bit of vellum, which the latter obtained in a curious way. 
 The document bears obscure directions purporting to locate a cer 
 tain island in the Bahama group, and a considerable treasure 
 buried there by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this book, 
 Paul Jones Garry, is an ambitious, persevering lad, of salt-water 
 New England ancestry, and his efforts to reach the island and 
 secure the money form one of the most absorbing tales for OUT 
 youth that has come from the press. 
 
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 Captain Bayley's Heir : A Tale of the Gold Fields of California. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. Witli full-page Illustrations by H. M. 
 
 Paget. 13mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 A frank, manly lad and his cousin are rivals in the heirship of a 
 CO- si i^rable property. The former falls into a trap laid by the 
 lattei, and while under a false accusation of theft foolishly leaves 
 Eng ajd for America. He works his passage before the mast, 
 joins a small band of hunters, crosses a tract of country infested 
 with Indians to the Californian gold diggings, and is successful 
 both as digger and trader. 
 
 "Mr. Henty is careful to mingle instruction with entertainment; and the 
 humorous touches, especially in the sketch of John Hell, the Westminster 
 dustman, Dickens himself could hardly have excelled."— C^ris^ian Leader. 
 
 For Name and Fame ; or, Through Afghan Passes. By G. A. 
 
 Henty. With full -page Illustrations by Gordon Browne, 
 
 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 An interesting story of the last war in Afghanistan. The hero, 
 after being wrecked and going through many stirring adventures 
 amon.ij; the Malays, findii his way to Calcutta and enlists in a regi- 
 me: t proceeding to join the army at the Afghan passes. He ac- 
 companies the force un-ier General Roberts to the Peiwar Kotal, 
 is wounded, taken prisoner, carried to Cabul, whence he is trans- 
 ferred to Candahar, and lakes part in the final defeat of the army 
 o^ Ayoub Kban. 
 
 "The best feature of the bock- apart from the interest of its scenes of ad- 
 venture— is its honest, effort Vg Jo justice to the patriotism of the Afghan 
 people."— Z)a% News. 
 
 Captured by Apes : The "Wonderful Adventures of a Young 
 Animal Trainer. By Hikry Prentice. 12mo, cloth, $1.00. 
 The scene of this tale is laid on an island in the Malay Archi- 
 pelago. Philip Garland, a young animal collector and trainer, of 
 New York, sets sail for E&storn seas in quest of a new stock of 
 living curiosities. The vessel is wrecked off the coast of Borneo 
 and young Garland, the sole survivor of the disaster, is cast ashore 
 on a small island, and captured by the apes that overrun the 
 place. The lad discovers that the ruling spirit of the monkey 
 tribe is a gigantic and vicious baboon, whom he identifies as 
 Goiiah, an animal at one time in his possession and with whose 
 Instruction he bad been especially diligent. The brute recognizes 
 him, and with a kind of malignant satisfaction puts his former 
 master through the same course of training he had himself ex- 
 perienced with a faithfulness of detail which shows how astonish^ 
 ing is monkey recollectiouo Very nevel indeed is the way hy 
 which the young man escapes death. Mr. Prentice has certainly 
 worked a new vein on juvenile fiction, and the ability with which 
 he handles a difficult subject stamps iilm as a. writer of undoubted 
 skill. 
 
8 A. L. BURT'S PFBLICATIONS. 
 
 The Bravest of the Brave ; or, With Peterborough in Spain. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by H. M. 
 
 Paget. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 There are few great leaders whose lives and actions have so 
 completely fallen into oblivion as those of the Earl of Peter- 
 borough. This is largely due to the fact that they were c ver- 
 shadowed by the glory and successes of Marlborough. Hiscr rear 
 as general extended over little more than a year, and yet, in '.hat 
 time, he showed a genius for warfare which has never been sur- 
 
 " Mr. Henty never loses sight of the moral purpose of his work— to enforoa 
 the doctrine of courage and truth. Lads will read ' The Bravest of the Brave * 
 *rith pleasure and profit; of that we are quite sure.''— Daily Telegraph. 
 
 The Cat of Bubastes : A Story of Ancient Egypt. By G. A. 
 
 Henty. With full page Illustrations. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 A story which will give young readers an unsurpassed insight 
 into the customs of the Egyptian people. Amuba, a prince of the 
 Rebu nation, is carried with his charioteer Jethro into slavery. 
 They become inmates of the house of Ameres, the Egyptian high- 
 piiest, and are happy in his service until the priest's son acci- 
 dentally kills the sacred cat of Bubastes. In an outburst of popular 
 fury Ameres is killed, and it rests with Jethro and Amuba to 
 secure the escape of the high-priest's son and daughter. 
 
 " The story, from the critical moment of the killinfj of the sacred cat to the 
 perilous exodus into Asia with which it closes, is very skillfully constructed 
 and full of exciting adventures. It is admirably illustrated. "—Saturday 
 Beview. 
 
 With Washington at Monmouth : A Story of Three Phila- 
 delphia Boys. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 Three Philadelphia boys, Seth Graydon "whose mother con- 
 ducted a boarding-house which was patronized by the British 
 officers;" Enoch Ball, "son of that Mrs. Ball whose dincing 
 school was situated on Letitia Street," and little Jacob, ; on of 
 " Chris, the Baker," serve as the principal characters. Th« 
 story is laid during the winter when Lord Howe held possession 
 of tiae city, and the lads aid the cause by aNsisting the American 
 spies who make regular and frequent visits from Valley Forge. 
 One reads here of home life in the captive city when bread was 
 scarce among the people of the lower classes, and a reckless prodi- 
 gality shown by the British officers, who passed the winter in 
 feasting and merry-making while the members of the patriot army 
 but a few miles away were suffering from both cold and hunger. 
 The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life skillfully 
 drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are given 
 show that the work has not been hastily done, or without con 
 giderable study. 
 
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 9 
 
 For the Temple: A Tale of tbe Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. 
 
 Henty. With full-page Illustrations by S. J. Solomon. 13mo, 
 
 cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 Mr. Henty here weaves into the record of Josephus an admirable 
 and attractive story. The troubles in the district of Tiberias, the 
 march of the legions, the sieges of Jotapata, of Qamala, and of 
 Jerusalem, form the impressive and carefully studied historic 
 setting to the figure of the lad vt^ho passes from the vineyard to 
 the service of Josephus, becomes the leader of a guerrilla band of 
 patriots, fights bravely for the Temple, and after a brief term of 
 slavery at Alexandria, returns to his Galilean home with the favor 
 of Titus. 
 
 " Mr. Henty's graphic prose pictures of the hopeless Jewish resistance to 
 Roman sway add another leaf to his record of the famous wars of the world." 
 —Gt^aphic. 
 
 Facing Death : or. The Hero of the Vaughan Pit. A Tale of 
 the ('oal Mines. By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustra- 
 tions by Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 "Facing Death" is a story with a purpose. It is intended to 
 show that a lad who makes up his mind firmly and resolutely that 
 he will rise in life, and who is prepared to face toil and ridicule 
 and hardship to carry out his determination, is sure to succeed. 
 The hero of the story is a typical British boy, dogged, earnest, 
 generous, and though " shamefaced" to a degree, is ready to face 
 death in the discharge of duty. 
 
 " The tale is well written and well illustrated, and there is much reality in 
 the characters. It any father, clergyman, or schoolmaster is on the lookout 
 for a good book to give as a present to a boy who is worth his salt, this is the 
 book we would recommend."— Stojidard. 
 
 Tom Temple's Career. By Horatio Alger. 13mo, cloth, 
 
 price $1.00. 
 
 Tom Temple, a bright, self-reliant lad, by the death of hi^ 
 father becomes a boarder at the home of Nathan Middleton, aj 
 penurious insurance agent. Though well paid for keeping the? 
 boy, Nathan and his wife endeavor to bring Master Tom in line^ 
 with their parsimonious habits. The lad ingeniously evades iheirr 
 efforts and revolutionizes the household. As Tom; is heir to. 
 $40,000, he is regarded as a person of some importance until by,- 
 an unfortunate combination of circumstances his fortune shrinkgr 
 tp a few hundreds. He leaves Plympton village to seek work ii\ 
 ;^ew York^ whence he undertakes an important mission to Calir 
 fprnia, around which center the most exciting incidents of his; 
 3«>ung career. Some of his adventures in the far west are so- 
 ^artling that the reader will scarcely close the book until the lasi 
 page shall have been reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's 
 most fascinating style, and is bound to please the very large clasgi 
 qf boys who regard this popular author as a prime favorite.. 
 
10 A. L, BURT'S PUBLICATIONrs 
 
 Maori and Settler: A Story of tlie New Zealand War. By 
 G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Alfred Pearse 
 12mo, clotb, price $1.00. 
 The Rensbaws emigrate to New Zealand during the period of 
 
 the war with the natives. Wilfrid, a strong, self-reliant, coura- 
 
 feous lad, is the mainstay of the household. He has for his friend 
 [r. Atherton, a botanist and naturalist of herculean strength and 
 unfailing nerve and hum(jr. In the adventures among the Maoris, 
 there are many breathless moaients in which the odds seem hope- 
 lessly against the party, but they succeed in establishing them 
 selves happily in one of the pleasant New Zealand valleys. 
 
 "Brimful of adventure, of humorous and interesting conversation, and 
 vivid pictures of colonial l\te.''''Schoolmdster. 
 
 Julian Mortimerj: A Brave Boy's Struggle for Home and Fortune. 
 
 By Harry Castlemon. 12mo, cloth, price |l.OO. 
 
 Here is a story that will warm every boy's heart. There is 
 mystery enough to keep any lad's imagination wound up to the 
 highest pitch. The scene of the story lies west of the Mississippi 
 River, in the days when emigrants made tbeir perilous way across 
 the great plains to the land of gold. One of the startling features 
 of the book is the attack upon the wagon train by a large party of 
 Indians. Our hero is a lad of uncommon nerve and pluck, a brave 
 young American in every sense of the word. He enlists and holds 
 the reader's sympathy from the outset. Surrounded by an un- 
 known and constant peril, and assisted by the unswerving fidelity 
 of a stalwart trapper, a real rough diamond, our hero achieves the 
 most happy results. Harry Castlemon has written many enter- 
 taining stories for boys, and it would seem almost superfluous to 
 say anything in his praise, for the youth of America regard him 
 as a favorite author. 
 
 "Carrots:" Just a Little Boy. By Mrs. Molesworth. With 
 Illustrations by Walter Crane. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents, 
 " One of the cleverest and most pleasing stories it has been our good forw 
 
 tune to meet with for some time. Carrots and his sister ara delightful little 
 
 beings, whom to read about is at once to becc:ne very fond of.'"— Kxdtnincr. 
 "A genuine children's book; we've seen 'em seize it, and read it greedily. 
 
 Children are first-rate critics, and thoroughly appreciate Walter Crane 8 
 
 Illustrations. ■"—PuHC/i. 
 
 Mopsa the Fairy. By Jean Ingelow. With Eight pagt 
 
 Illustrations. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 
 
 " Mrs. Ingelow is, to our mind, the most charming of all living writers for 
 children, and ' Mopsa' alone ought to give her a kind of pre-emptive right to 
 the love and gratitude of our young folks. It reuuires genius to conceive a 
 purely imaginary work which must of necessity deal with tJie supernatural, 
 •without running intxi a mere riot of fantastic absurdity; but genius Miss In- 
 gelow has and the story of 'Jack ' is as careless and joyous, but as delicate 
 AS a picture of childhood. "--i.'dec<ic. 
 
A, L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 11 
 
 A Jaunt Through Java : The Story of a Journey to the Sacred 
 Mountain. By Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 The central interest of this story is found in the thrilling ad- 
 ventures of two cousins, Heruion and Eustace Hadley, on their 
 trip across the island of Java, from Samarangtothe Sacred Moun- 
 tain, In a land where the Royal Bengal tiger runs at large; 
 where the rhinoceros and other fierce beasts are to be met with 
 at unexpected moments; it is but natural that the heroes of this 
 book should have a lively experience. Hermon not only dis- 
 tinguishes himself by killing a full grown tiger at short range, 
 but meets with the most startling adventure of the journey. 
 1 here is much in this narrative to instruct as well ar- entertain the 
 reader, and so deftly has Mr. Ellis used his material that there is 
 i.ot a dull page in the book. The two heroes are brave, manly 
 young fellows, bubbling over with boyish independence. They 
 cope with the many difficulties that arise during the trip in a fear- 
 less way that is bound to win the admiration of every lad who is 
 so fortunate as to read their adventures. 
 
 Wrecked on Spider Island; or. How Ned Rogers Found the 
 Treasure. By James Otis. 12rao, cloth, price $1.00. 
 A " down-east" plucky lad who ships as cabin boy, not from 
 love of adventure, but because it is the only course remaining by 
 which he can gain a livelihood. While in his bunk, seasick, 
 Ned Rogers hears the captain and mate discussing their plans for 
 the willful wreck of the brig in order to gain the insurance. Once 
 it is known he is in possession of the secret the captain maroons 
 him on Spider Island, explaining to the crew that the boy is 
 afflicted with leprosy. While thus involuntarily playing the part 
 of a Crusoe, Ned discovers a wreck submerged in the sand, and 
 overhauling the timbers for the purpose of gathering material 
 with which to build a hut finds a considerable amount of treasure. 
 Raising the wreck; a voyage to Havana under sail; shipping there 
 a crew and running for Savannah; the attempt of the crew to 
 seize the little craft after learning of the treasure on board, and, 
 as a matter of course, the successful ending of the journey, all 
 serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most 
 captious boy could desire. 
 
 Geoff and Jim: A Story of School Life. By Ismay Thorn, II- 
 lustrated by A. G. Walker. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 
 
 " This is a prettily told story of the hfe spent by two motherless bairns at 
 A small preparatory school. Both Geoff and Jim are very lovable characters, 
 only Jim is the more so; and the scrapes he gets into and the trials he en- 
 dures will, no doubt, interest a large circle of young readers.'"— C/iurc/i 
 Times. 
 
 "This is a capital children's story, the characters well portrayed, and the 
 book tastefully bound and well illustrated.'"— ^'c/too/ma.sfer. 
 
 " The story can be heartily recommended as a present for boys."^ 
 Standard. 
 
13 A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 The Castaways ; or, On the Florida Reefs. By James Otis. 
 
 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 This tale smacks of the salt sea. It is just the kind of story 
 that the majority of boys yearn for. From th« moment that the 
 Sea Queen dispenses with the services of the tug in lower New 
 York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off the coast of 
 Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind through her 
 rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to thti 
 leeward, and feel her rise to the snow-capped waves which her 
 sharp bow cuts into twin streaks of foam. Off Marquesas Keyj 
 she floats in a dead calm. Ben Clark, the hero of the story, and 
 Jake, the cook, spy a turtle asleep upon the glassy surface of the 
 water. They determine to capture him, and take a boat for that 
 purpose, and just as they succeed in catching him a thick fog 
 cuts them off from the vessel, and then their troubles be in. 
 They take refuge on board a drifting hulk, a storm arises and they 
 are cast ashore upon a low sandy key. Their adventures from 
 this point cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young 
 people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite. His style is captivating, and 
 never for a moment does he allow the interest to flag. In ** The 
 Castaways " he is at his best. 
 
 Tom Thatcher's Fortune. By Horatio Algeb, Jr. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 Like all of Mr. Alger's heroes, Tom Thatcher is a brave, am- 
 bitious, unselfish boy. He supports his mother and sister on 
 meager wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John Simpson's factory. 
 The story Ijegins with Tom's discharge from the factory, because 
 Mr. Simpson felt annoyed with the lad for interrogating him too 
 closely about his missing father. A few days afterward Tom 
 learns that which induces him to start overland for California with 
 the view of probing the family mystery. He meets with many ad- 
 ventures. Ultimately he returns to his native village, bringing con- 
 sternation to the soul of John Simpson, who only escapes the con- 
 sequences of his villainy by making full restitution to the man 
 whose friendship he had betrayed. The story is told in that en- 
 tertaining way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household 
 word in so many homes. 
 
 Birdie : A Tale of Child lafe. By H. L. Childe-Pemberton 
 
 Illustrated by H. W. Rainey. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 
 
 " The story is quaint and simple, but there is a freshness about It that 
 makes one liear again the ringing laugh and the cheery shout of c'liidren at 
 play which charmed his earlier years. "— JVeu) York Express. 
 
 Popular Fairy Tales. By the Brothers Grimm ) Pufusely 
 Illustrated, 12mo, clotb, price $1.00. 
 " From first to last, almost without exception, these stories are dilWatful.'* 
 
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 13 
 
 With Lafayette at Yorktown : A Story of How Two Boys 
 Joined the Continental Army. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, 
 price $1.00. 
 
 The two boys are from Portsmouth, N. H., and are introduced 
 in August, 1781, when on the point of leaving home to enlist in 
 Col. Scammell's regiment, then stationed near New York City. 
 Their method of traveling is on horseback, and the author has 
 given an interesting account of what was expected from boys in 
 the Colonial days. The lads, after no slight amount of adventure, 
 are sent as messengers — not soldiers — into the south to find the 
 troops under Lafayette. Once with that youthful general they 
 are given employment as spies, and enter the British camp, 
 bringing away valuable information. The pictures of camp-life 
 are carefully drawn, and the portrayal of Lafayette's character is 
 thoroughly well done. The story is wholesome in tone, as are all 
 of Mr. Otis' works. There is no lack of exciting incident which 
 the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful excitement brim- 
 ming with facts which every boy should be familiar with, and 
 while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffreys and 
 Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will 
 remain in his memory long after that which he has memorized 
 from text-books has been forgotten. 
 
 Lost in the Canon : Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great 
 Colorado. By Alfred R. Calhoun. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 This story hinges on a fortune left to Sam Willett, the hero, 
 and the fact that it will pass to a disreputable relative if the lad 
 dies before he shall have reached his majority. The Vigilance 
 Committee of Hurley's Gulch arrest Sam's father and an associate 
 for the crime of murder. Their lives depend on the production 
 of the receipt given for money paid. This is in Sam's possession 
 at the camp on the other side of the canon. A messenger is dis- 
 patched to get it. He reaches the lad in the midst of a fearful 
 storm which floods the caiion. His father's peril urges Sam to 
 action. A raft is built on which the boy and his friends essay to 
 cross the torrent. They fail to do so, and a desperate trip down 
 the stream ensues. How the party finally escape from the hor- 
 rors of their situation and Sam reaches Hurley's Gulch in the very 
 nick of time, is described in a graphic style that stamps Mr. CaK 
 houn as a master of his art. 
 
 Jack : A Topsy Turvy Story. By C. M. Crawley-Boevey. 
 
 With upward of Thirty Illustrations by H. J. A. Miles. 
 
 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 
 
 " The illustrations deserve particular mention, as they add largely to the 
 Interest of this amusing volume for children. Jack falls asleep with his mind 
 full of the subject of the fishpond, and is very much surprised presently to 
 find himself an inhabitant or Waterworld, where he goes thougn wonderful 
 aud edifying adventures. Ahaudsom«aud pleasant book. ''—Ltterari/ World. 
 
14 A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 Search for the Silver City : A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. 
 
 By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 Two American lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark 
 on the steam yacht Day Dream for a short summer cruise to the 
 tropics. Homeward bound the yacht is destroyed by fire. AH 
 hands take to the boats, but during the night the boat is cast upon 
 the coast of Yucatan. They come across a young American 
 named Cummings, who entertains them with t'le story of the 
 wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians. Cum- 
 mings proposes with the aid of a faithful Indian ally to brave 
 the perils of the swamp and carry off a number of the golden 
 images from the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor for days 
 their situation is desperate. At last their escape is effected in an 
 astonishing manner. Mr. Otis has built his story on an historical 
 foundation. It is so full of exciting incidents that the reader is 
 quite carried away with the novelty and realism of the narrative. 
 
 Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 Thrown upon his own resources Frank Fowler, a poor boy, 
 bravely determines to make a living for himself and his foster- 
 sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a situation as cash 
 boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a wealthy old 
 gentleman named Wharton, who takes a fancy to the lad. Frank, 
 after losing his place as cash boy, is enticed by an enemy to a 
 lonesome part of New Jersey and held a prisoner. This move re- 
 coils upon the plotter, for it leads to a clue that enables the lad to 
 establish his real identity. Mr- Alger's stories are not only un- 
 usually interesting, but they convey a useful lesson of pluck and 
 manly independence. 
 
 Budd Boyd's Triumph; or, the Boy Firm of Fox Island. By 
 William P. Chipman. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 The scene of this story is laid on the upper part of Narragansett 
 Bay, and the leading incidents have a strong salt-water flavor. 
 Owing to the conviction of his father for forgery and theft, Budd 
 Boyd is compelled to leave his home and strilve out for himself. 
 Chance brings Budd in contact with Judd Floyd. The two boys, 
 being ambitious and clear sighted, form a partnership to catch 
 and sell fish. The scheme is successfully launched, but the un- 
 expected appearance on the scene of Thomas Bagsley, the man 
 whom Budd believes guilty of the crimes attributed to his father, 
 leads to several disagreeable complications that nearly caused the 
 lad's ruin. His pluck and good sense, however, carry him through 
 his troubles. In following the career of the boy firm of Boyd & 
 Floyd, the youthful reader will find a useful lesson — that industry 
 ftud perseverance are bound to lead to ultimate success. 
 
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 15 
 
 The Errand Boy; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By 
 Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 The career of " The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures 
 of a smart country lad who at an early age was abandoned by his 
 father. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper 
 named Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the 
 hero's subsequent troubles. Accident introduces him to the 
 notice of a retired merchant in New York, who not only secures 
 him the situation of errand boy but thereafter stands as his 
 friend. An unexpected turn of fortune's wheel, however, brings 
 Philip and his father together. In "The Errand Boy" Philip 
 Brent is possessed of the same sterling qualities so conspicuous in 
 all of the previous creations of this delightful writer for our youth. 
 
 The Slate Picker : The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal Mines. 
 
 By Harry Prentice. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. 
 There are many thrilling situations, notably that of Ben Burton's 
 leap into the " lion's mouth " — the yawning shute in the breakers 
 — to escape a beating at the hands of the savage Spilkins, the 
 overseer. Gracie Gordon is a little angel in rags, Terence O'Dowd 
 is a manly, sympathetic lad, and Enoch Evans, the miner-poet, is 
 a big-hearted, honest fellow, a true friend to all whose bur- 
 dens seem too heavy for them to bear. Ben Burton, the hero, had 
 a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy he advanced step by 
 step until he found himself called upon to fill the position of 
 chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. 
 
 A Runaway Brig ; or. An Accidental Cruise. By James Otis. 
 
 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 " A Runaway Brig " is a sea tale, pure and simple, and that's 
 ■where it strikes a boy's fancy. The reader can look out upon 
 the wide shimmering sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and 
 imagine himself afloat with Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim 
 Libby and that old shell-back, Bob Brace, on the brig Bonita, 
 which lands on one of the Bahama keys. Finally three strangers 
 steal the craft, leaving the rightful owners to shift for themselves 
 aboard a broken-down tug. The boys discover a mysterious 
 document which enables them to find a buried treasure, then a 
 storm comes on and the tug is stranded. At last a yacht comes in 
 sight and the party with the treasure is taken off the lonely key. 
 The most exacting youth is sure to be fascinated with this enter- 
 taining story. 
 
 Fairy Tales and Stories. By Hans Christian Andersen. 
 
 Profusely Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 " If I were asked to select a child's library I should name these three volumes 
 'English,' * Celtic,' and 'Indian Fairy Tales,' with Grimm and Hans Auder* 
 sea's Fairy Tales."— independent. ■ 
 
16 A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 The Island Treasure ; or, Harry Barrel's Fortune. By Frank 
 
 H. Converse. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 Harry Barrel, an orphan, having received a nautical training on 
 a school-ship, is bent on going to sea with a boyish acquaintance 
 named Dan Plunket. A runaway horse changes his prospects. 
 Harry saves Dr. Gregg from drowning and the doctor presents his 
 preserver with a bit of property known as Gregg's Island, and 
 makes the lad sailing-master of his sloop yacht. A piratical hoard 
 Is supposed t© be hidden somewhere on the island. After much 
 search and many thwarted plans, at last Dan discovers the 
 treasure and is the means of finding Harry's father. Mr. Con- 
 verse's stories possess a charm of their own which is appreciated 
 by lads who delight in good healthy tales that smack of salt 
 water. 
 
 The Boy Explorers : The Adventures of Two Boys in Alaska. 
 
 By Harry Prentice. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 Two boys, Raymond and Spencer Manning, travel from San 
 Francisco to Alaska to join their father in search of their uncle, 
 who, it is believed, was captured and detained by the inhabitants 
 of a place called the " Heart of Alaska." On their arrival at 
 Sitka the boys with an Indian guide set off across the mountains. 
 The trip is fraught with perils that test the lads' courage to the 
 utmost. Reaching the Yukon River they build a raft and float 
 down the stream, entering the Mysterious River, from which they 
 barely escape with their lives, only to be captured by natives of 
 the Heart of Alaska. All through their exciting adventures the 
 lads demonstrate what can be accomplished by pluck and resolu- 
 tion, and their experience makes one of the most interesting tales 
 ever written. 
 
 The Treasure Finders : A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By 
 
 James Otis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their 
 father's indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient 
 city. The boys eagerly explore the dismantled temples of an ex- 
 tinct race and discover three golden images cunningly hidden 
 away. They escape with the greatest difficulty; by taking advan- 
 tage of a festive gathering they seize a canoe and fly down the 
 river. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. 
 Mr. Otis is the princ-e of story tellers, for he handles his material 
 with consummate skill. We doubt if he has ever written a more 
 entertaining story than " The Treasure Finders." 
 
 Household Fairy Tales. By the Buothers Grimm. Profusely 
 
 Illustrated, 12iuo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 " As a collection of fairy tales to delight children of all &gefi thia work 
 ranks second to none."— 2)at7y Graphic. 
 
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 17 
 
 <-- — — — ■ — ^ — > 
 
 Dan the Newsboy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, clotli, 
 
 price $1.00. 
 
 The reader is introduced to DanMordaunt and Lis mother living 
 in a poor tenement, and the lad is pluckily trying to make ends 
 meet by selling papers in the streets of New York. A little 
 heiress of six years is confided to the care of the Mordaunts. At 
 the same time the lad obtains a position in a wholesale house. 
 He soon demonstrates how valuable he is to the firm by detecting 
 the bookkeeper in a bold attempt to rob his employers. The 
 child is kidnaped and Dan tracks the child to the house where 
 she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little 
 heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good qualities 
 that she adopts him as her heir, and the conclusion of the book 
 leaves the hero on the high road to every earthly desire. 
 
 Tony the Hero : A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By 
 Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control 
 of Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal, shiftless and lazy, spending 
 his time tramping about the country. After much abuse Tony 
 runs away and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel, Tony is 
 heir to a large estate in England, and certain persons find it nec- 
 essary to produce proof of the lad's death. Rudolph for a con- 
 sideration hunts up Tony and throws him down a deep well. Of 
 course Tony escapes from the fate provided for him, and by a 
 brave act makes a rich friend, with whom he goes to England, 
 where he secures his rights and is prosperous. The fact that Mr. 
 Alger is the author of this entertaining book will at once recom- 
 mend it to all juvenile readers. 
 
 A Young Hero; or, Fighting to Win. By Edward S. Ellis. 
 
 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 This storytells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen 
 from the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded 
 ladies. Fred Sheldon, the hero of this story and a friend of the 
 •Id ladies, undertakes to discover the thieves and have them ar- 
 rested. After much time spent in detective work, he succeeds in 
 discovering the silver plate and winning the reward for its re- 
 storation. During the narrative a circus comes to town and a 
 thrilling account of the escape of the lion from its cage, with its 
 recapture, is told in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every 
 boy will be glad to read this delightful book. 
 
 The Days of Bruce: A Story from Scottish History. By Grace 
 
 Agtjilar. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 "There is a delightful freshness, sincerity and vivacity about all of Grace 
 Aguilar's stories which cannot fail to win the interest and admiration pf 
 every lover of good reading."— Boston Beacon, 
 
18 A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 Tom the Bootblack ; or, The Road to Success. By Horatio 
 
 Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the bootblack. He was 
 not at all ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the 
 lookout to better himself. His guardian, old Jacob Morton, died, 
 leaving him a small sum of money and a written confession that 
 Tom, instead of being of humble origin, was the son and heir of 
 a deceased Western merchant, and had been defrauded out of his 
 just rights by an unscrupulous uncle. The lad started for Cin- 
 cinnati to look up his heritage. But three years passed away 
 before he obtained his first clue. Mr. (irey, the uncle, did not 
 hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad. The plan failed, and 
 Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a comfortable 
 fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories. 
 
 Captured by Zulus : A story of Trapping in Africa. By HabrY 
 
 Prentice. 12mo, cloth, price $1.C0. 
 
 This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth 
 and Bob Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa, for the purpose of 
 obtaining a supply of zoological curiosities. By stratagem the 
 Zulus capture Dick and Bob and take them to their principal 
 kraal or village. The lads escape death by digging their way 
 out gf the prison hut by night. They are pursued, and after a 
 rough experience the boys eventually rejoin the expedition and 
 take part in several wild animal hunts. The Zulus finally give 
 up pursuit and the expedition arrives at the coast without further 
 trouble. Mr. Prentice has a delightful method of blending fact 
 with fiction. He tells exactly how wild-beast collectors secure 
 specimens on their native stamping grounds, and these descrip- 
 tions make very entertaining reading. 
 
 Tom the Ready; or. Up from the Lowest. By Randolph 
 
 Hill. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearleas, 
 ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder — the 
 gate of the poorhouse — to wealth and the governorship of his 
 native State. Thomas Seacomb begins life with a purpose. While 
 yet a schoolboy he conceives and presents to the world the germ 
 of the Overland Express Co. At the very outset of his career 
 jealousy and craft seek to blast his promising future. Later he 
 sets out to obtain a charter for a railroad line in connection with 
 the express business. Now he realizes what it is to match him- 
 self against capital. Yet he wins and the railroad is built. Only 
 an uncommon nature like Tom's could successfully oppose such a 
 combine. How he manages to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill 
 in a masterful way that thrills the reader and holds his attention 
 and sympathy to the end. 
 
A. L. BURf 'S PUBLICATIONS. 19 
 
 Roy Gilbert's Search: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By Wm. P. 
 
 CiiiPMAN. 12mo, cloth, price $L00. 
 
 A deep mystery hangrs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert 
 He arranges with two schoolmates to make a tour of the 
 Great Lakes on a steam launch. The three boys leave Erie on 
 the launch and visit many points of interest on the lakes. Soon 
 afterward the lad is conspicuous in the rescue of an elderly gentle^ 
 man and a lady from a sinking yacht. Later on the cruise of the 
 launch is brought to a disastrous termination and the boys nar- 
 rowly escape with their lives. The hero is a manly, self-reliant 
 boy, whose adventures will be followed with interest. 
 
 The Young Scout; The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By 
 Edward S. Ellis. 13mo, cloth, price $L00. 
 
 The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the 
 most terrible scourge of the southwest border. 1'he author has 
 woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's 
 last raid. The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate 
 of West Point. Ambitious to distinguish himself so as to win 
 well-deserved promotion, the young man takes many a desperate 
 chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion nar- 
 rowly escapes with his life. The story naturally abounds in 
 thrilling situations, and being historically correct, it is reasonable 
 to believe it will find great favor with the boys. In our opinion 
 Mr. Ellis is the best writer of Indian stories now before the 
 public. 
 
 Adrift in the Wilds : The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked 
 Boys. By Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, price, $L00. 
 
 Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence, cousins and school- 
 mates, accompanied by a lively Irishman called O'Rooney, are en 
 route for San Francisco. Off the coast of California the steamer 
 takes fire. The two boys and their companion reach the shore 
 with several of the passengers. While O'Rooney and the lads 
 are absent inspecting the neighborhood O'Rooney has an excit- 
 ing experience and young Brandon becomes separated from his 
 party. He is captured by hostile Indians, but is rescued by an 
 Indian whom the lads had assisted. This is a very entertaining 
 narrative of Southern California in the days immediately preced- 
 ing the construction of the Pacific railroads. Mr. Ellis seems to 
 be particularly happy in this line of fiction, and the present story 
 is fully as entertaining as anything he has ever written. 
 
 The Red Fairy Book. Edited by Andrew Lang. Profusely 
 
 Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 " A gift-book that will charm any child, and all older folk who have been 
 fortunate enough to retain their taste for the old nursery stories.''— Literary 
 World. 
 
20 A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 The Boy Cruisers ; or, Paddling in Florida. By St. George 
 
 Ratiiborne. 12mo, cloth, price, $1.00. 
 
 Boys who like an admixture of sport and adventure will find 
 this book just to their taste. We promise them tkat they will 
 not go to sleep over the rattling experiences of Andrew George 
 and Roland Carter, who start on a canoe trip along the Gulf 
 coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure 
 is with a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run 
 into a gale in the Gulf and have a lively experience while it lasts. 
 After that they have a lively time with alligators and divers 
 varieties of the finny tribe. Andrew gets into trouble with a 
 band of Seminole Indians and gets away without having his 
 scalp raised. After this there is no lack of fun till they 
 reach their destination. That Mr. Rathborne knows just how to 
 interest the boys is apparent at a glance, and lads who are in 
 search of a rare treat will do well to read this entertaining story. 
 
 Guy Harris : The Runaway. By Harry Castlemon. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 Guy Harris lived in a small city on the shore of one of the 
 Great Lakes. His head became filled with quixotic notions of 
 going West to hunt grizzlies, in fact, Indians. He is ])er- 
 suaded to go to sea, and gets a glimpse of the rough side of life 
 in a sailor's i oarding house. He ships on a vessel and for five 
 months leads a hard life. He deserts his ship at San Franci-sco 
 and starts out to become a backwoodsman, but rough experiences 
 soon cure him of all desire to be a hunter. At St. Louis he be- 
 couies a clerk and for a time he yields to the temi)tations of a 
 great city. The book will not only interest boys generally on 
 account of its graphic style, but will put many facts before their 
 eyes in a new light. This is one of Castlemou's most attractive 
 stories. 
 
 The Train Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, price 
 
 $1.00. 
 
 Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported 
 his mother and sister by selling books and papers on one of the 
 trains running between Chicago and Milwaukee. He detects a 
 young man named Luke Denton in the act of picking the pocket 
 of a young lady, and also incurs the enmity of his brother Ste- 
 phen, a worthless follow. Luke and Stephen plot to ruin Paul, 
 but their plans are frustrated. In a railway accident many pas- 
 sengers are killed, but Paul is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago 
 merchant, who out of gratitude takes him into his employ. Paul 
 is sent to manage a tnine in Custer City and executes his com- 
 mission with tact and judgment and is well started on the road 
 to business prominence. This is one of Mr. Alger's most attrac- 
 tive stories and is sure to please all readera 
 
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 21 
 
 Joe's Luck : A Boy's Adventures in California. By Horatio 
 Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 Without a doubt Joe Mason was a lucky boy, but he deserved 
 the golden chances that fell to his lot, for he had the pluck and 
 ambition to push himself to the front. Joe had but one dollar in 
 the world when he stood despondently on the California Mail 
 Steamship Co.'s dock in New York watching the preparations in- 
 ( ident to the departure of the steamer. The same dollar was 
 still Joe's entire capital when he landed in the bustling town of 
 tents and one-story cabins — the San Francisco of '51, and inside 
 of the week the boy was proprietor of a small restaurant «arning a 
 comfortable profit. The story is chock full of stirring incidents, 
 while the amusing situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, 
 from Pumpkin Hollow, and the fellow who modestly styles him- 
 self the *' Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike Co., Missouri." Mr. Alger 
 never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is certainly one of 
 his best. 
 
 Three Bright Girls : A Story of Chance and Mischance. By 
 Annie E. Armstrong. With full page Illustrations by W. 
 Parkinson. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 By a sudden turn of fortune's wheel the three heroines of this 
 story are brought down from a household of lavish comfort to 
 meet the incessant cares and worries of those who have to eke out 
 a very limited income. And the charm of the story lies in the 
 cheery helpfulness of spirit developed in the girls by their changed 
 circumstances; while the author finds a pleasant ending to all 
 their happy makeshifts. 
 
 " The story is charmingly told, and the book can be warmly recommended 
 as a present for girls.'"— Standard. 
 
 Giannetta : A Girl's Story of Herself. By RosA Mulholland. 
 With full- page Illustrations by Lockhart Bogle. 12mo, 
 cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 The daughter of a gentleman, who had married a poor Swiss 
 girl, was stolen as an infant by some of her mother's relatives. 
 The child having died, they afterward for the sake of gain sub- 
 stitute another child for it, and the changeling, after becoming 
 a clever modeler of clay images, is suddenly transferred to the 
 position of a rich heiress. She develops into a good and accom- 
 plished woman, and though the imposture of her early friends is 
 finally discovered, she has gained too much love and devotion to 
 be really a sufferer by the surrender of her estates. 
 
 " Extremely well told and full of interest. Giannetta is a true heroine— 
 warm-heartea, self-sacrificing^, and, as all ^ood women nowadays are, largely 
 touched with enthusiasm of humanity. The illustrations are unusually good. 
 One of the most attractive gift books of the season."— T/ie Academy. 
 
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 Margery Merton's Girlhood. By Alice Corkran. With full- 
 page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 12uio, clotb, price 
 $1.00. 
 
 The experiences of an orphan girl who in infancy is left by her 
 father — an officer in India — to the care of an elderly aunt residing 
 near Paris. The accounts of the various persons who have an 
 after influence on the story, the school companions of Margery, 
 the sisters of the Conventual College of Art, the professor, and 
 the peasantry of Fontainebleau, are singularly vivid. There is a 
 subtle attraction about the book which will make it a great favorite 
 with thoughtful girls. 
 
 " Another book for ^irls we can warmly commend. There is a delightfu\ 
 piouancy in the expenences and trials of a young English girl who studies 
 painting in Paris."— Saiwrday Review. 
 
 Under False Colors: A Story from Two Girls' Lives. Bjr 
 Sarah Doudney. With full-page Illustrations by G. G. Kil- 
 BURNE. 12mo. cloth, price $1.00. 
 
 A story which has in it so strong a dramatic element that it 
 will attract readers of all ages and of either sex. The incidents 
 of the plot, arising from the thoughtless indulgence of a decep- 
 tive freak, are exceedingly natural, and the keen interest of the 
 narrative is sustained from beginning to end. 
 
 "Sarah Doudney has no superior as a writer of high-toned stories— pure 
 In st^le, original in conception, and with skillfully wrought out plots; but 
 •we have seen nothing equal in dramatic energy to this hook.''''— Christian 
 .Leader. 
 
 Down the Snow Stairs ; or, From Good-night to Good-morning. 
 
 By Alice Corkran. With Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 
 
 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. 
 
 This is a remarkable story: full of vivid fancy and quaint 
 originality. In its most fantastic imaginings it carries with it a 
 sense of reality, and derives a singular attraction from that com- 
 bination of simplicity, originality, and subtle humor, which is so 
 much appreciated by lively and thoughtful children. Children 
 of a larger growth will also be deeply interested in Kitty's strange 
 journey, and her wonderful experiences. 
 
 "Among all the Christmas volumes which the year has brought to our 
 table this one stands out facile princeps—& gem of the first water, bearing 
 upon every one of its pages the signet mark of genius. . . . All is told 
 with such simplicity and perfect naturalness that the dream appears to be a 
 Bolid reality. It is mdeed a Little Pilgrim's Progress."— C/ins^iau Leader. 
 
 The Tapestry Room: A Child's Romance. By Mrs. Moles- 
 worth. Illustrated by Walter Crane. 12mo, cloth, price 
 75 cents. 
 "Mrs. Molesworth is a charming painter of the nature and ways of children: 
 
 and she has done good service in giving us this charming juvenile which wiU 
 
 <l©Ught the young people.''''— Athencenm, London. 
 
^B 37086