Page 74 - A Hero of Ticonderoga

ring with quick, rebounding echoes.

"Quick, my boy, show me the commandant’s quarters," said Allen, and his
guide led to a flight of outer stairs arising to the upper story of the south

barracks. Ascending them, Allen shouted:

"Come forth, commandant, come forth." But receiving no answer he

thundered on the door with the pommel of his sword and shouted still
louder:

"Come out of your hole, you damned old skunk," and thereupon the door
was drawn a little ajar. Allen flung it wide open, and disclosed the

bewildered face and undignified figure of Captain Delaplace, clad only in
his shirt and nightcap, with his breeches in his hand. Behind him stood his

night-gowned wife, her pretty face pale with alarm. For a moment the
captain gaped at his unceremonious visitor.

"Who are you and what do you want?"

"I want the Fort and all it contains. Surrender, instantly."

"Surrender? Is this a mad joke or treason?"

"Neither; but honest men claiming their own. Surrender."

"In whose name? By whose authority?" asked Delaplace, assured of the
earnestness of the summons.

"In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress."

"I know no such authority."

"Sir, do you deny the authority of the King of Kings? And Congress
seemeth to have some power here this morning. Waste no more time. We

are four to your one. Do you surrender?"