Page 31 - A Hero of Ticonderoga

"I have to say for myself," Seth answered, in a steady voice, "that I bought
this pitch of the original proprietors, and I have their deed, duly signed and

sealed. They got their charter of His Excellency Benning Wentworth, His
Majesty’s Governor of the Province of New Hampshire."

"Your title is not worth the paper it’s written on," scoffed Mr. Felton.
"Governor Wentworth has no more authority to grant lands than I have. Not

a whit. The east bounds of New York are fixed by royal decree at the west
bank of Connecticut River, as everybody knows, and Wentworth’s grants

this side that limit are null and void. No doubt you have acted in good faith,
but now there’s nothing for you but to vacate these betterments forthwith;
yes, forthwith, if you will take the advice of a friend," and the little man

regaled himself with a pinch of snuff.

"I shall not go till I am forced to," Seth answered with determination.
"When it comes to force both parties may take a hand in the game."

"Very well, very well! I have given you friendly advice; if you do not
choose to take it the consequences be on your own head. Come, Graves;

come, men, let us go about our present affairs;" adding, after some talk with
Graves, "We shall be back to spend the night with you, Mr. Beeman. You
cannot refuse Mr. Graves the shelter of his own house."

Seth flushed with anger, but answered steadily: "I can’t help it, but you will

not be welcome."

The men who had been idling about, taking little interest in the parley, now

followed their employers back to the woods, trampling through the young
wheat in their course.

"I wish you a pleasant night on’t," said Seth under his breath, and turned to
reassure his wife. "Don’t be frightened, my girl. They won’t get us out of

here. Keep a stout heart and wait."

With a quieter heart she went about her household affairs, while her
husband busied himself nearby, weeding the garden and giving to his wife’s