en;
some of the better informed declared they were in the shelter near by
which had been used as 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!"

"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 position. 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 Stockbridge men brought with them?"

"Why, everybody in camp knows that."

"Then do you suppose they're goin' to stand by idly while we take the
money and munitions?"

The men began to murmur among themselves, 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 was keeping my eye fixed on Colonel