He had expected a commission in the new army, but his name was passed over by Congress.
It was afterward proved that the omission was the result of inadvertence, for it was supposed that he had a commission from the general in command of the Colonials at Boston, and the order was made confirming all such commissions.
The summer was passing, and no action had been taken.
Allen was getting weary of the delay.
He could not understand why Boston had not been taken and the English driven out. Then he heard that Benedict Arnold had received a commission, and was leading an army into Canada to attack Quebec.
In despair Allen left his home and crossed to Ticonderoga, determined to offer his services to the Connecticut captain who was in command of the little garrison.
He was sitting on a gun on the day of his arrival on the scene of his great exploit, when a boy, dirty, ragged and half starved, entered the fort and stood opposite Allen.
"Don't you know me, colonel?"
"Is that you, Eben?"
"Yes. I am Eben Pike, and right glad I am to see you."