Therefore it was they leaped to their feet quickly, and set forward at a sharp pace, when Jason Wentworth pointed out the direction to be pursued.
At this moment it was Isaac who suffered most in mind, for he knew full well that Corporal ’Lige would condemn him for not having the courage to face death rather than give information to the enemy.
Even though it was Nathan who had divulged what should have been kept a secret, the raw recruit knew in his own heart he had agreed that the information should be 195 given, because of having made no protest.
If Seth Warner failed in his purpose, it would be owing in a certain degree to what had been told these men, and Isaac, who had hoped to win renown, if not glory, by enlisting, could charge himself with what was worse than a blunder.
On the other hand Nathan was not sore in mind because of the possibility that Crown Point might still be held by the king’s troops; but he had sufficient sense to understand that if he had retraced his steps along the shore to the trail, as Isaac proposed, this capture might not have been made.
Therefore, but in a different fashion, was his mental trouble as great as that of his comrade.
To the chagrin of both the boys they came upon the trail leading from the lake to 196 Sudbury, after not more than two or three minutes’ traveling, and thus knew that if their halt had been delayed a very short time it might have been possible to have given these enemies the slip.
Once on the trail word was given to halt, and the three men held a brief consultation as to the course they should pursue.
One was in favor of going directly to the shore, where it appeared they believed a boat could be found; but the others insisted on keeping within the thicket until they were arrived a mile or more above the fort, lest, being seen, pursuit should be made by those who had captured Ticonderoga.
This last proposition prevailed, although there were many chances they might not find a boat further up the lake; but Jason Wentworth persisted it would be better if they make the journey entirely on foot, than take 197 the risk of being captured before word could be carried to Crown Point.