They denounced men whose names Allen had not heard before, but who were becoming prominent. But they also talked of Sam Adams and John Hancock, of Patrick Henry and George Washington, and then they told each other that it was seriously proposed to create a new nation out of the colonies and declare the independence of the colonies.
All this was glorious news to the prisoner, and he listened in silence, afraid that his joy, if known, would prevent further conversation in his presence.
One hot, stifling day in July there was considerable commotion in the prison, and Allen knew that something more than the ordinary had caused the excitement.
How anxiously he waited to hear the news!
How tedious the hours passed before the change of guards gave the desired few minutes for conversation.
At last the hour came!
"The Declaration of Independence has been signed!"
"You do not mean it? The rebels would never dare!"
"But they have dared. They say that a new nation has been born. Ha, ha, ha! He, he, he! Ha, ha, ha!"
"Will all the prisoners have to be shot now?"