"Do you mean it? Are you really Eben Pike?"
"Ask the captain here. He will vouch for that. The document reads: 'The bearer, Lieut. Pike, of the Army of the United States of America,' does it not?"
"Yes, Col. Allen, the whole thing means that you are exchanged. We have got our man, and we pay for his liberty by giving you yours. Good-day, and may I never see you again—at least under recent conditions."
Allen entered a small boat with Eben, and two stout seamen pulled the boat to the dock, where a carriage was in waiting.
Eben almost pushed the astonished and half-dazed Green Mountain hero into the carriage, and soon the waterside was left far behind and the carriage rolled along the roads to the place where Gen. Washington had made his headquarters.
By that time Allen had begun to realize that he was really free.
Washington met him at the door and grasped his hand warmly.
"For over a year we have been trying to secure your release, but could not get the English to consent. You have to thank Lieut. Eben Pike for your release. He is a real hero."
"General, I only did my duty."
"I wish every soldier did his duty as well. I must tell Col. Allen; I am sure he will be prouder than ever."