"Is Ticonderoga so very strong?" asked Allen, who had listened so attentively to the historical narrative told by Arnold.
"Yes. Abercrombie for four hours stormed it. Column after column dashed with great bravery against the breastworks, but only to meet with failure. Abercrombie could have returned with a larger army and heavier guns, but he did not. He had fifteen thousand men, while the French had not more than eight thousand on the outside. In 1759 the French, being hard pressed, dismantled the fort and the English walked into it. It cost the English eight million pounds to repair, enlarge and strengthen it."
"And in a few days it will be in our possession."
"I hope so."
"It must be."
"Have you sent out any scouts to find its strength?"
"Yes, one—a boy named Ebenezer Pike."
"A boy?"
"Yes, a boy that I would back against all the men I ever saw."
"He may betray you."