Eben handed the mutilated writs to Allen, and he saw that they were genuine enough.
"Will they come, now that they have lost the writs?" asked Warner.
"Yes, they will make believe they have got them."
"Then we must rally all the boys. Eben, you are a brave boy."
"Thank you, colonel. Do you want to shake me now?"
"No, my boy, and you can break off the bolts from every door in the house if you like."
"I'll go and fetch the boys."
"You are tired."
"No, Col. Allen, running never tired me yet. Let Ira go one way and I will go the other, for no time must be lost."
"You ought to be a general; you know just what should be done."