Even Ethan was surprised and startled by the voice.
Young Eben Pike had stepped close up to the governor, and was shaking his fist in his face.
"Who are you?"
"I am Ebenezer Pike, and I heard you promise that Col. Ethan Allen should be given up to Albany, and your secretary added that he hoped to hear that the rebel was hanged quickly."
"It is false!"
"Eben speaks the truth!" hotly retorted Allen. "I would rather believe him than anyone I know. He is a child of nature and knows not how to be false. I am here to tell you, Gov. Wentworth, that we of the mountains are ready to give our lives in defense of the colony, but we will not sell our freedom!"
Wentworth knew not what to make of such men.
He admired their boldness.
He was afraid to lose their services, for he saw that troubles were brewing that would need the aid of men like Allen.
"I will see you again on the morrow. In the meantime you will all stay at my expense at the inn."