In vain the man cried for mercy.
Allen could never forgive treachery.
The Green Mountain Boys hurried to cut sticks from the trees which grew by the lake, and each submitted his stick to Allen, who rejected quite a number because they were too large.
Zeke was stripped and tied to a tree, his hands above his head. The first man was called to administer his stroke, when Zeb, who had been standing, listening to the decision, rushed forward, and placing himself between his father and the mountaineer, said:
"Strike, but not father. Let me bear the punishment, for it was all my fault, it was all my doing."
"Stand aside."
"I will not."
"Drag him away," commanded Baker.
Two of the mountaineers stepped up to the boy, who had clasped his arms around his father's waist.
He held on so tightly that to drag him away they must hurt him.