Page 70 - A Hero of Ticonderoga

apart in amicable consultation. Soon the first called loudly for any
information concerning a lad named Nathan Beeman. At the sound of his

name, Nathan started, blushed, hesitated, and then stepped bashfully
forward, and was quickly recognized by Allen in spite of his added stature.

"Here, this is the youngster, Colonel Arnold, that Mr. John Brown tells of
in this paper, whom he saw and conversed with last winter about

Ticonderoga."

The two colonels then asked the boy many questions about the Fort, its
entrance, the interior, the number of the garrison, and the disposal of the
sentinels. Evidently satisfied with his straightforward replies, Allen said,

low and impressively:

"You have such a chance to serve your country as don’t often fall to a boy.
Will you lead us into the Fort to-night? Will you do it faithfully?"

Nathan looked steadily into the earnest, searching eyes fixed upon him, but
did not answer.

"Speak," cried Allen, sharply.

"If the commandant’s lady won’t be hurt, I will," he said at last, his left hand
thrust into his pocket, fumbling his cherished shilling piece.

Allen laughed good-humoredly. "So the lady is a friend of yours. Well,
never fear. We may disturb her morning nap, but she shall not be harmed.

We are not waging war in the wilderness against women and children.
Here, my boy, stick this twig of hemlock in your hat. Don’t you see we’ve

all mounted it? There, now," as he himself put the evergreen sprig in
Nathan’s hatband, "you wear the Green Mountain Boy’s cockade. See that
you never disgrace it."

The boy thrilled with pride as he walked with measured step behind the

stately chieftain and his lithely built companion. Presently the sound of oars
was heard and a large batteau swept into the landing, navigated by two of