"How many?"
"Twenty, at least."
"You did not see so many before."
"No; they have another sheriff with them."
"To your quarters, boys; and remember, not a sound until the signal. When I say, 'The moon has risen,' be ready; and when I say, 'It is at the full,' fight like turkey cocks."
In another minute only Ethan and Ira were visible, and no one would have imagined, from the appearance of the house, that others were in hiding, well armed to resist the foe.
Sheriff Merrit was the first to reach the house, and he signaled to his men to come forward.
He rapped on the door, and Ethan opened it.
"Does one Ethan Allen reside here?" asked the sheriff.
"I am he."