“Well, if you’ve enlisted, a fight is right where you belong,” and Nathan appeared to think this settled the matter beyond any argument.
“I ain’t so certain of that; but even if I do belong in a fight I shan’t stay in one. It seems like as if Corporal ’Lige had turned 93 me off, an’ all he’s thinking about is helping our crowd get the best of the Stockbridgers.”
“Well, there ain’t anything very dangerous here yet awhile; suppose we wait an’ see how things turn? I don’t care overmuch for fightin’ myself; but that’s no reason why I shouldn’t want to know whether there’s likely to be a row or not.”
Isaac admired the courage of his new acquaintance and immediately adopted him as a protector, taking up his position a pace or two in the rear of Nathan as he watched the threatening movements.
The recruits from Pittsfield and vicinity were standing in close order with the corporal at their head, evidently ready for whatever turn might come in affairs.
Some of them retained their weapons; but the majority appeared to have more confidence in their fists, and with arms bared to 94 the elbow were awaiting the word which would precipitate them upon the small body from Stockbridge who guarded the treasure.
This last detachment had either learned of the advice given by Corporal ’Lige, or scented danger because they were so few in numbers as compared with the other two factions, and were standing shoulder to shoulder ready to resist an expected attack.
A short distance away the Green-Mountain Boys remained strictly by themselves; but not giving any sign of taking part in the lawless proceedings. So long as Ethan Allen was considered the head of the expedition they were satisfied to stand aloof from any brawl.
As has been said before, the leading officers were nowhere to be seen; some of the better informed declared they were in the shelter near by which had been used as 95 their quarters during the night, and with Colonel Arnold were discussing the question of superiority in rank.
Corporal ’Lige hesitated to give the word which should precipitate the riot.