"So much the better; I shall win the surer."
In the camp of the mountaineers the center of attraction was Martha Baker. Many of the Bennington boys knew her, though she had greatly improved during her stay at New Haven.
She sought the presence of Col. Allen and besought him to be careful of his treatment of the guardsman of New Haven.
"If it is Benedict Arnold who is coming, he means you no good," she said, very earnestly; "my friend in New Haven knew him well, and she was certain that he was in favor of England."
"Thank you, Martha; I will know how to deal with him. I am glad that you have told me."
Benedict Arnold lost no time in seeking an audience with Ethan Allen.
"I have come from Cambridge," he said, "with but one object in view."
"I shall be very pleased to hear your project, if you care to confide it to me."
"I heard of your fame"—Ethan bowed—"and I felt that if there was to be any great work accomplished, Col. Ethan Allen was the man to make it apparent."
Arnold had spoken with great deference. "I was appointed colonel by the Provincial Council; but when I heard that Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys were about to attack Fort Ticonderoga, I thought that I could serve my country best by offering myself and my guards to him, and I ask no other favor than to be allowed to enlist under your banner as a private soldier."