“I know all you are thinking; but when I enlist, and it ain’t certain but that I shall do so soon if the people continue to hold out against the king, I propose to set my name down for that company to which you belong.”
“Do so when we go back to the fort,” Isaac cried gleefully, “and side by side you and I will see many a brave adventure.”
“But the trouble is we may see more than will be pleasing, though I truly believe I shall enlist.”
“And Corporal ’Lige shall teach us both a soldier’s duty.”
This proposition apparently did not meet with favor, for Nathan at once changed the subject of the conversation by inquiring regarding the probable condition of affairs at Crown Point, after which the boys listened to the conversation of their companions as they spoke of Lexington and Concord, and of what should be done to avenge the murders committed there.
And now it came to pass that these two lads were most grievously disappointed in their anticipations concerning the capture of the fort.
Probably each had in his mind the thought that he was to see somewhat of war, more at 244 least than had been witnessed at Ticonderoga; but it was not to be.
As the little fleet approached the point, Warner and his men were just disembarking.
Although Captain Baker’s party was but a mile away at that time, when they gained the shore the garrison had been surrendered without the firing of a gun, and the booming of the cannon told that again were the “imitation soldiers” successful in their efforts to teach his majesty a lesson.
One hundred and fourteen cannon, of which sixty-one were fit for service, were among the spoils on this morning, and after having made up a list of such goods as were found in the fort, Seth Warner did the two lads the great favor of sending them to Colonel Allen with the news of the bloodless victory.