r to Concord, and will be sent as a prisoner
to Albany. Gov. Tryon says he will hang you as soon as you reach that
city."

"How learned you this?"

"Nay, should I tell you I might never learn anything more."

"When am I to be sent for?"

"The messenger is on his way. If you do as we would like you would not
go."

"Why?"

"Because the governor will purchase peace for himself by having you
hanged."

"Hush! there is some one even now at the door."

"Welcome, most worthy Talbot!" exclaimed Allen, when Assistant District
Attorney Talbot entered. "What brings you so far from Concord?"

"A message to you, Ethan Allen."

"To me?"

"Yes, from the governor."

"A message from Gov. Wentworth is always welcome."

"It may not be so in this case. I will explain. An application has
been made for your extradition by the governor of New York."

"Indeed! And what have I done?"

"You are charged with killing a king's officer and robbing him of
certain documents which bore the seal of the Colony of New York."

"Of both of which crimes I am innocent."

"And so the governor thinks, but he has commanded me to explain that it
is necessary that you return with me to Concord, there to satisfy the
court of your innocence."

Ethan looked at Eben, and the youth made a sign to convey that the
information he had given was correct and that treachery was intended.

"And if I decline to go?"

"You will not decline."

"I may."

"You must not."

"I may do so; what then?"

"Then I shall order you into arrest."

"And take me by force to Concord, and from thence to Albany?"

"If the governor so orders."

"Then go straight back to the governor and tell him that, with all due
respect to him and his authority, I will not go until I am ready, and
that if you attempt to arrest me I shall resist by force. I am a free
man, and by the grant signed by the governor I am free from arrest
unless the local tribunal so orders, and you cannot get any justice in
all the Green Mountains to order me into arrest. So go back and learn
that Ethan Allen can take care of himself."

"But that is treason."

"Call it what you like. I shall defend myself when the time comes, and
will never submit to tyranny, even from the governor of New Hampshire,
nor the king himself."

"But I must do as I am bade."

"Try to do so, you mean. Let me tell you that Ethan Allen is in the
right, and the governor is in the wrong, and I defy you and all