"It is always the same," he murmured; "they think me too girlish for men's work. I will show them yet that I can be of use."
Every day he wandered through the country, and even crossed into New York Colony, hoping to find out if any attempt was to be made to carry out the decision of the courts.
One bright day in May he reached Eagle Bridge, as the point is still called, when he saw a number of men carrying muskets half concealed, and walking toward the mountains.
He kept up with them, eager to know where they were going and what was their errand.
They sat down under some trees to eat their mid-day meal, and Eben crept close to them.
"We'll bag the two to-day, just see if we don't," said one of the men. "Zounds! I'd give a crown to have Ethan Allen in a line with my musket."
"You are more likely to look down the barrel of his," retorted another, laughing.
"We'll surprise him. You see, the governor has waited until the Green Mountain Boys, as they call themselves, got tired, and then he sends us; 'cause why? There isn't another sheriff in the colony as could bag a fellow like that same Allen."
"Do you know the way to his farm?"
"Yes, every turn in the road. We shall reach there soon after sunset, and then I'll walk right up to him, and say: 'In the name of the king, surrender!' and he will be so surprised that he will almost drop dead with fright."