Baker ordered the men to whip him until he loosed his grasp, but Allen stopped the execution of this order.
"Stop! Boy, you have won. I thought you were bad at heart, but I see you love your father, and for your sake I remit the punishment."
Zeb fell on his knees and clasped Allen's legs.
"Bless you! If anyone ever says a word against you in my hearing he shall die, that he shall."
"Release the prisoner."
When Zeke was free Allen ordered him to give up the paper signed by the soldiers.
"And lose my reward?"
"Yes; I will not allow you to be rewarded for treachery."
Garvan had no option in the matter, and so he gave up the document, which certified that he was entitled to the reward for the capture of Ethan Allen and Remember Baker.
Zeb pleaded hard to be allowed to join the Mountain Boys, and Allen consented provisionally that he should stay in the camp and hold no conversation with his old companions.