The farmer had his weapon pointed at Warner and was about to shoot him, when his arm was knocked up from behind and the ball passed over his intended victim's head.
Instantly the man was seized and bound.
The musket had been seized by the hired hand, who had been the cause of the farmer's intention being frustrated.
"If you will let me join you I will fight for the cause of liberty," the man said, very earnestly.
"You must report to Col. Allen at Ticonderoga."
"I will go at once."
"Better stay with us and return when we do; we can vouch for your good act."
The farmer changed his tone when he was bound and therefore helpless. He cried out for mercy, declared that all he had said was in a joking sense, and that he hoped the Provincials would win in their fight against England.
"You coward!" hissed Warner. "I have a great mind to shoot you as an example and a warning to others."
"Spare me! I am old and——"