effeminate than when he first
joined the Green Mountain Boys.

He had a man's strength, though his appearance was deceiving.

He had such an excellent idea of topography that Allen knew he would be
extremely useful to the army of invasion.

CHAPTER XXIV.

SECRET SERVICE.

Gen. Montgomery summoned Allen to his presence one morning early.

"Ethan Allen, you are the one man wanted in this crisis."

"What crisis? What can I do?" asked Allen, looking somewhat surprised
at the general's earnestness.

"We are about to invade Canada, and the people ought not to be hostile."

"I fancy you will find them to be so."

"That's just where you will be of value?"

"I do not understand."

"I want you to go into Canada and tell the people that we are not going
to fight against them, their country or religion, but only against the
English garrisons."

"And I suppose you mean enlist the French on our side?"

"If you can do so, yes."

"When am I to start?"

"As early as possible. Take some good interpreters with you, for
French and Indians must be reached and converted."

"The less number of men the better."

"I agree with you, though you know the consequence if you fall into the
hands of the enemy."

"Yes, life would be short; but if I can serve my country I will dare
anything."

"Spoken like a brave man."

"I am ready. I will take Eben Pike with me, and Remember Baker."

"But you will want an interpreter."

"Yes, one who can talk with the Indians as well as the French."

"You do not mean to enlist the Indians?"

"Yes; I will attract to our side every man, and I would every animal,
if that were possible."

"What do you think of Old Buckskin?"

"Do you know him?"

"Yes, and he is with us."

"Just the man. Old Buckskin knows every inch of the ground from here
to Quebec. I am glad he is ready to go with me."

The man called Old Buckskin was an eccentric trapper. No one knew his
real name, and it is within the realm of probability that he had
forgotten it himself.

Allen had met him frequently in the Green Mountains, and knew that he
was an excellent guide, a fearless man and a good hunter.

The next day the little party started from St. Valentin and worked
northward in the direction of St. John.

The people of Pte. la Mull received Allen with great acclaim, for they
were French and had suffered much from the constant interference of the
English with their customs and the exercise of th