when
Ticonderoga was taken so readily he had believed the king's soldiers to
be invincible, and even now he was not prepared to see them surrender to
a force little more than four times their number.

The prisoners readily answered the questions put by the captain.

They were from Crown Point, and having learned of the surrender of
Ticonderoga had 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.
Therefore 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 Warner a good turn," Captain Baker
cried sufficiently 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 reinforcements are, or speedily will be,
on the way. Now, instead of stopping at Ticonderoga, our 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 command, 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."

"I cannot say anything for mother; but since I have seen the king's
soldiers surrender so readily I am with the Green Mountain 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 reproachfully, 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