They had not come and the only thing for Carleton to do was to build a flotilla which could carry an army up the lake and attack Crown Point.

The thing was done but skilled workmen were few and not until the 6th of October were the little ships afloat on Lake Champlain.

Arnold, too, spent the summer in building boats to meet the attack and it was a strange turn in warfare which now made him commander in a naval fight.

There was a brisk struggle on Lake Champlain.

Carleton had a score or so of vessels; Arnold not so many.