enger 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."

"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 officers 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 disgruntled because I have been chosen
commander of the expedition. You are enlisted as militia from the
province of Massachusetts and as enroled men have no voice in choosing a
commander. Therefore I propose 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. Colonel Arnold presents himself
with due authority from the province of Massachusetts to take command of
any troops not exceeding four hundred which may be raised for the
purpose of attacking Fort Ticonderoga. Under all the circumstances he
has decided to wave his claim of rank and act as volunteer until the
pu