It was Allen's plan to hide all the boys and appear as though he was unarmed and unprepared when the sheriff came.
Seth Warner had returned to his colonel's house and reported that he had made all arrangements for a speedy message if the sheriff from Albany went to his house first.
Eben had slipped out and had gone to reconnoiter.
It was unknown to Allen, or he would not have allowed the brave boy to run any more risks.
"Where is Pike?" he asked, as soon as he missed him.
"He went out a moment ago," answered Ira.
And in another moment he returned, the perspiration running down his cheeks.
"They are coming!" he almost shouted, so excited had he become.
"Where are they?"
"Less than half a mile."