Page 64 - A Hero of Ticonderoga

since they ranged this region, then an unreclaimed wilderness, under the
leadership of the brave and wary Robert Rogers, and he was soon in

reminiscences of scouts and ambuscades, while Nathan watched and noted
everything, a most interested spectator of what was passing so

unobtrusively into history.

Presently there was a stir and gathering together of the detached groups and

an expectant hush. Then he saw towering among them, in cocked hat and
military garb of blue and buff, the stalwart figure of Ethan Allen.

"Fall in, men," said the deep-toned voice of Allen, and the groups formed in
line as best they could among the trees.

As they moved forward to take their places Nathan noticed an unfamiliar

form skulking among the tree trunks near him-- a swarthy little man wearing
a tasseled, woolen cap and gray coat unlike the Yankee garb. It flashed
across his mind that this was the Canadian employed by his stepfather, and

he tried to keep watch of his movements. But there was much else to
engage him, and just then he felt a touch on his leg, and, turning, saw

Gabriel’s sorrowful face looking wistfully up to his own. "Down, Gabe," he
said in a low tone, and the hound crouched behind. Just then Ethan Allen,
having passed slowly down the line, accosting one and another, broke the

silence:

"Friends of the Grants, we are already enough for this business in hand, but
there are more to come. There will be boats enough to cross us all in good
time. Keep quiet. Cook your rations and eat your supper. To-morrow we’ll

eat our breakfast in Ticonderoga, or know the reason why."

As Nathan’s entranced gaze was for a moment withdrawn from the beloved
commander, he caught a glimpse of the little unknown man stealing away
among the shadows. Being more accustomed to the rigid discipline of the

garrison than to the free and easy customs of volunteers, he did not dare to
leave the ranks till many of his comrades had straggled away. Then he

sought Job and told him his suspicions.