"That is so. Do not allow one gun to leave the fort."
Eben entered the room, and was out of breath.
"What is it, Eben?"
"If you please—I—have—news——"
"What is it?"
"I—have been—across—the lake. I——"
"Sit down and get your breath; you will be able to talk plainer. No danger threatens us?"
"No—I—don't think so."
Eben fanned himself and gradually became calmer. But he was so eager to tell his news that he could not wait long enough to be quite coherent.
"News from Boston," he jerked out; and at once Ethan Allen was as much excited as Eben.