“There is yet time for us to do Seth Warner a good turn,” Captain Baker cried sufficiently loud for all his men to hear. “It is more than likely the garrison at Crown Point will hold out when the Green Mountain Boys demand its surrender, believing reinforcements are, or speedily will be, on the way. Now, instead of stopping at Ticonderoga, our 241 plan is to push directly on to the fort, and when it is known that we have captured the messengers I reckon the fortification will be surrendered with but little parley.”
Although the captain had thus spoken as if making a suggestion, his men understood that his words were little short of a command, and after transferring the prisoners the fleet was gotten under way.
Thanks to the freshening wind the boats were soon making good time in the race to overtake the force led by Seth Warner.
“And it is to be Crown Point for us, after all!” Nathan cried exultantly, whereat, hearing the words, Captain Baker asked:
“What is your name, lad?”
“Nathan Beman from Shoreham.”
“So? I knew your father was on the right side; but understood that you and your mother were hardly to be trusted.”
“I cannot say anything for mother; but since I have seen the king’s soldiers surrender so readily I am with the Green Mountain Boys and those who share their opinions.”
“When you are so nearly with them as to enlist, come to me, lad, and I will give you a musket in the best company that can be found this side of Cambridge.”
Isaac looked at his new friend reproachfully, and the latter said with a laugh: