"My dear colonel, I cannot think of such a thing."
"On no other terms would I consent. My men are all well drilled and are ready to join you under the same conditions."
"Let us meet on equal terms; we will jointly command."
"No, Col. Allen; in military matters there should be no divided authority. I will serve under you, and if you wish my advice I shall be ready to give it, but I will not accept a share in the command."
The interview was a long one.
Ethan Allen was completely fascinated with Arnold. He believed that if there was a genuine patriot in the colony it was he.
Arnold, having recovered from his surprise at finding Allen an educated man, conceived a liking for him and resolved to act squarely in all his dealings with him.
Arnold was better read in history than the mountaineer, and he knew the history of Ticonderoga as well as he knew the later history of New Haven.
"The French knew what they were doing when they fortified Ticonderoga," Arnold remarked, when the strength of the fort was being discussed.
"Tell me all you know about it, will you not?"