s! what suffering was to follow that conversation!

CHAPTER XXII.

EBEN'S ADVENTURES.

Among the men who were to lead the colonial armies Allen had his
attention attracted to Richard Montgomery, who was to share with
Schuyler the responsibility of the invasion of Canada.

Montgomery was one of the most fascinating men who rallied to the
standard of the colonies.

He was an Irishman, the son of a member of the British parliament, and
was educated in Trinity College, Dublin.

In 1754 he obtained a commission in the army, and with his regiment
came to this country, and, although only eighteen years old, he
distinguished himself for personal bravery in many an action.

In 1760 he was with Gen. Wolfe, and became the adjutant of the regiment.

After distinguishing himself in the expedition against Havana and
Martinique, he returned to England and stayed there nine years.

But he yearned for America, and so sold his commission and came to New
York, where he married and took a leading part with the sturdy men who
refused to bow the knee to English tyranny.

When the Continental Congress was held Montgomery was a delegate, and
he pledged his sword in defense of the popular rights.

No wonder that Ethan Allen should be pleased with the Irishman. They
were kindred spirits.

Montgomery asked Allen to tell him of the struggle of the Vermonters
against the pretensions of New York.

Allen did so, but somewhat bitterly.

"Nay, my dear Allen, do not let that irritate you. We shall soon make
common cause, and instead of the colonies we shall have a nation, and
we shall be citizens, not subjects."

"Citizens!" Allen repeated.

"Yes, mark me. If the colonies become a nation there will be a free
government based on equal rights, and none will be subject to another,
but all be equal before the law."

Montgomery saw more clearly into the future than did even Washington.

When the Congress was over, and Washington commenced his work of
creating an army, Allen returned home, somewhat disappointed.

He had expected a commission in the new army, but his name was passed
over by Congress.

It was afterward proved that the omission was the result of
inadvertence, for it was supposed that he had a commission from the
general in command of the Colonials at Boston, and the order was made
confirming all such commissions.

The summer was passing, and no action had been taken.

Allen was getting weary of the delay.