Mynheer Jacobus Huysman walked to the window and looked out at the neat red brick houses, the grass, now turning yellow, and the leaves, more brown than green. He was troubled, in truth his heart lay very heavy within him. He was thinking over the terrible news that had come so swiftly, as evil report has a way of doing. But he had cause for satisfaction, too, and recalling it, he turned to gaze once more upon the two lads who, escaping so many perils1, had arrived at the shelter of his home.
Robert and Tayoga were thin and worn, their clothing was soiled and torn, but youth was youth and they were forgetting dangers past in a splendid dinner that the fat Caterina was serving for them while Mynheer Jacobus, her master, stood by and saw the good deed well done.
The dining room, large and furnished solidly, was wonderful in its neatness and comfort. The heavy mahogany of table, sideboard and chairs was polished and gleaming. No trace of dirt was allowed to linger any[Pg 2]where. When the door to the adjoining kitchen opened, as Caterina passed through, pleasant odors floated in, inciting2 the two to fresh efforts at the trencher. It was all as it had been when they were young boys living there, attending the school of Alexander McLean and traveling by painful steps along the road to knowledge. In its snugness3, its security and the luxury it offered it was a wonderful contrast to the dark forest, where death lurked4 in every bush. Robert drew a long sigh of content and poured himself another cup of coffee.
"And you escaped from the French after the great battle?" said Mynheer Jacobus, asking the same question over and over again.
"Yes, sir," replied Robert, "and it was not a difficult thing to do at all. The victory of the French was so remarkable5, and I think so unexpected, that they were paying little attention to me. I just walked out of their camp, and the only man I met was the Chevalier de St. Luc, who did not seem at all interested in stopping me—a curious fact, but a fact all the same."
"A great leader and a fine man iss the Chevalier de St. Luc," said Mr. Huysman.
"He's both, as I've had many chances to learn, and I intend to know more about him some day."
"It may be that you will know even more than you think."
Robert looked sharply at the burgher, and he was about to ask questions, but he reflected that Mynheer Jacobus, if he were able to answer, would be evasive like all the others and so he checked the words at his lips.
"I suppose that time will disclose everything," he contented6 himself with saying. "Meanwhile, I want to tell you, sir, that Tayoga and I appreciate to the full your[Pg 3] hospitality. It is noble, it always was noble, as we've had ample occasion to discover."
The full red face of Mynheer Jacobus bloomed into a smile. The corners of his mouth turned up, and his eyes twinkled.
"I must have had a premonition that you two were coming," he said, "and so I stocked the larder7. I remembered of old your appetites, a hunger that could be satisfied only with great effort, and then could come back again an hour later, as fresh and keen as ever. You are strong and healthy boys, for which you should be grateful."
"We are," said Robert, with great emphasis.
"And you do not know whether Montcalm iss advancing with his army?"
"We don't, sir, but is Albany alarmed?"
"It iss! It iss alarmed very greatly. It wass not dreamed by any of us that our army could be defeated, that magnificent army which I saw go away to what I thought was certain victory. Ah, how could it have happened? How could it have happened, Robert?"
"We simply threw away our chances, sir. I saw it all. We underrated the French. If we had brought up our big guns it would have been easy. There was no lack of courage on the part of our men. I don't believe that people of British blood ever showed greater bravery, and that means bravery equal to anybody's."
Mynheer Jacobus Huysman sighed heavily.
"What a waste! What a waste!" he said. "Now the army hass retreated and the whole border iss uncovered. The tomahawk and scalping knife are at work. Tales of slaughter8 come in efery day, and it iss said that Montcalm iss advancing on Albany itself."
"I don't believe, sir, that he will come," said Robert.[Pg 4] "The French numbers are much fewer than is generally supposed, and I can't think he will dare to attack Albany."
"It does not seem reasonable, but there iss great alarm. Many people are leaving on the packets for New York. Who would have thought it? Who could have thought it! But I mean to stay, and if Montcalm comes I will help fight in the defense9."
"I knew you wouldn't leave, sir. But despite our defeat we've a powerful army yet, and England and the Colonies will not sit down and just weep."
"What you say iss so, Robert, my boy. I am not of English blood, but when things look worst iss the time when England shows best, and the people here are of the same breed. I do not despair. What did you say had become of Willet?"
"Shortly before we reached Albany he turned aside to see Sir William Johnson. We had, too, with us, a young Englishman named Grosvenor, a fine fellow, but he went at once to the English camp here to report for duty. He was in the battle at Ticonderoga and he also will testify that our army, although beaten, could have brought up its artillery10 and have fought again in a day or two. It would have gained the victory, too."
"I suppose so! I suppose so! But it did not fight again, and what might have been did not happen. It means a longer war in this country and a longer war all over the world. It spreads! It iss a great war, extending to most of the civilized11 lands, the greatest war of modern times and many think it will be the last war, but I know not. The character of mankind does not change. What do you two boys mean to do?"
"We have not decided12 yet," replied Robert, speaking for both. "We'll go back to the war, of course, which[Pg 5] means that we'll travel once more toward the north, but we'll have to rest a few days."
"And this house iss for you to rest in—a few days or many days, as you please, though I hope it will be many. Caterina shall cook for you four, five meals a day, if you wish, and much at every meal. I do not forget how when you were little you raided the fruit trees, and the berry bushes and the vines. Well, the fruit will soon be ripe again und I will turn my back the other way. I will make that fat Caterina do the same, and you and Tayoga can imagine that you are little boys once more."
"I know you mean that, Mynheer Jacobus, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts," said Robert, as the moisture came into his eyes.
"Here comes Master Alexander McLean," said Mr. Huysman, who had turned back to the window. "He must have heard of your arrival and he wishes to see if your perils in the woods have made you forget your ancient history."
In a minute or two Master McLean, tall, thin, reddish of hair, and severe of gaze entered, his frosty blue eyes lighting13 up as he shook hands with the boys, though his manner remained austere14.
"I heard that you had arrived after the great defeat at Ticonderoga," he said, "and you are fortunate to have escaped with your lives. I rejoice at it, but those who go into the woods in such times must expect great perils. It is of course well for all our young men to offer their lives now for their country, but I thought I saw in you at least, Robert Lennox, the germ of a great scholar, and it would be a pity for you to lose your life in some forest skirmish."
"I thank you for the compliment," said Robert, "but as[Pg 6] I was telling Mynheer Jacobus I mean to go back into the woods."
"I doubt it not. The young of this generation are wise in their own conceit15. It was hard enough to control Tayoga and you several years ago, and I cannot expect to do it now. Doubtless all the knowledge that I have been at such pains to instill into you will be lost in the excitement of trail and camp."
"I hope not, sir, though it's true that we've had some very stirring times. When one is in imminent16 danger of his life he cannot think much of his Latin, his Greek and his ancient history."
The severe features of Master Alexander McLean wrinkled into a frown.
"I do not know about that," he said. "Alexander the Great slept with his Homer under his pillow, and doubtless he also carried the book with him on his Asiatic campaigns, refreshing17 and strengthening his mind from time to time with dips into its inspiring pages. There is no crisis in which it is pardonable for you to forget your learning, though I fear me much that you have done so. What was the date, Robert, of the fall of Constantinople?"
"Mahomet the Second entered it, sir, in the year 1453 A. D."
"Very good. I begin to have more confidence in you. And why is Homer considered a much greater poet than Virgil?"
"More masculine, more powerful, sir, and far more original. In fact the Romans in their literature, as in nearly all other arts, were merely imitators of the Greeks."
The face of Master McLean relaxed into a smile.
"Excellent! Excellent!" he exclaimed. "You have[Pg 7] done better than you claimed for yourself, but modesty18 is an attribute that becomes the young, and now I tell you again, Robert, that I am most glad you and Tayoga have come safely out of the forest. I wish to inform you also that Master Benjamin Hardy19 and his chief clerk, Jonathan Pillsbury, have arrived from New York on the fast packet, River Queen, and even now they are depositing their baggage at the George Inn, where they are expecting to stay."
Master Jacobus who had been silent while the schoolmaster talked, awoke suddenly to life.
"At the George Inn!" he exclaimed. "It iss a good inn, good enough for anybody, but when friends of mine come to Albany they stay with me or I take offense20. Bide21 here, my friends, and I will go for them. Alexander, sit with the lads and partake of refreshment22 while I am gone."
He hastened from the room and Master McLean, upon being urged, joined Robert and Tayoga at the table, where he showed that he too was a good man at the board, thinness being no bar to appetite and capacity. As he ate he asked the boys many questions, and they, knowing well his kindly23 heart under his crusty manner, answered them all readily and freely. Elderly and bookish though he was, his heart throbbed24 at the tale of the great perils through which they had gone, and his face darkened when Robert told anew the story of Ticonderoga.
"It is our greatest defeat so far," he said, "and I hope our misfortunes came to a climax25 there. We must have repayment26 for it. We must aim at the heart of the French power, and that is Quebec. Instead of fighting on the defense, Britain and her colonies must strike down Canada."[Pg 8]
"So it seems to me too, sir," said Robert. "We're permitting the Marquis de Montcalm to make the fighting, to choose the fields of battle, and as long as we do that we have to dance to his music. But, sir, that's only my opinion. I would not presume to give it in the presence of my superiors."
"You've had much experience despite your youth and you're entitled to your thoughts. But I hear heavy steps. 'Tis odds27 that it's Jacobus with his friends."
The door was opened and Mr. Huysman with many words of welcome ushered28 in his guests, who being simple and strong men brought their own baggage from the inn. Robert rose at once and faced Benjamin Hardy in whose eyes shone an undoubted gladness. The merchant did not look a day older than when Robert had last seen him in New York, and he was as robust29 and hearty30 as ever. Jonathan Pillsbury, tall, thin and dressed with meticulous31 care, also permitted himself a smile.
"Robert, my lad!" exclaimed Benjamin Hardy, dropping his baggage and holding out two sinewy32 hands. "'Tis a delight to find you and Tayoga here. I knew not what had become of you two, and I feared the worst, the times being so perilous33. Upon my word, we've quite a reunion!"
Robert returned his powerful and friendly grasp. He was more than glad to see him for several reasons; for his own sake, because he liked him exceedingly, and because he was sure Master Benjamin held in his keeping those secrets of his own life which he was yet to learn.
"Sir," he said, "'tis not my house, though I've lived in it, and I know that Mr. Huysman has already given you a most thorough welcome, so I add that it's a delight to me to see you again. 'Twas a pleasant and most mem[Pg 9]orable visit that Tayoga and I had at your home in New York."
"And eventful enough, too. You came very near going to the Guineas on a slave trip. That was the kind of hospitality I offered you."
"No fault of yours, sir. I shall never forget the welcome you gave us in New York. It warms my heart now to think of it."
"I see you've not lost your gift of speech. Words continue to well from your lips, and they're good words, too. But I talk overmuch myself. Here is Jonathan waiting to speak to you. I told him I was coming to Albany. 'Upon what affair?' he asked. ''Tis secret,' I replied. 'Meaning you do not want to tell me of its nature,' he said. 'Yes,' I replied. Then he said, 'Whatever its gist34, you'll need my presence and advice. I'm going with you.' And here he is. Doubtless he is right."
Jonathan Pillsbury clasped Robert's hand as warmly as he ever clasped anybody's and permitted himself a second smile, which was his limit, and only extraordinary occasions could elicit35 two.
"Our conversation has been repeated with accuracy," he said. "I do not yet know why I have come to Albany, but I feel sure it is well that I have come."
Mr. Huysman hustled36 about, his great red face glowing while fat Caterina brought in more to eat. He insisted that the new guests sit at the table and eat tremendously. It was a time when hospitality meant repeated offerings of food, which in America was the most abundant of all things, and Mr. Hardy and Mr. Pillsbury easily allowed themselves to be persuaded.
"And now, Robert, you must tell me something more about Dave," said the merchant as they rose from the table.[Pg 10]
Young Lennox promptly37 narrated38 their adventures among the peaks and about the lakes while the older men listened with breathless attention. Nor did the story of the great hunter suffer in Robert's telling. He had an immense admiration39 for Willet and he spoke40 of his deeds with such vivid words and with so much imagery and embroidery41 that they seemed to be enacted42 again there in that quiet room before the men who listened.
"Ah, that is Dave! True as steel. As honest and brave as they ever make 'em," said Master Benjamin Hardy, when he had finished. "A man! a real man if ever one walked this earth!"
"And don't forget Tayoga here," said Robert. "The greatest trailer ever born. He saved us more than once by his ability to read the faintest sign the earth might yield."
"When Dagaeoga begins to talk he never knows how to stop," said Tayoga; "I but did the things all the warriors43 of my nation are taught to do. I would be unworthy to call myself a member of the clan44 of the Bear, of the nation Onondaga, of the great League of the Hodenosaunee, if I could not follow a trail. Peace, Dagaeoga!"
Robert joined in the laugh, and then the men began to talk about the prospects45 of an attack upon Albany by the French and Indians, though all of them inclined to Robert's view that Montcalm would not try it.
"As you were a prisoner among them you ought to know something about their force, Robert," said Mr. Hardy.
"I had opportunities to observe," replied the lad, "and from what I saw, and from what I have since heard concerning our numbers I judge that we were at least four[Pg 11] to one, perhaps more. But we threw away all our advantage when we came with bare breasts against their wooden wall and sharpened boughs46."
"It is a painful thing to talk about and to think about, but Britain never gives up. She marches over her mistakes and failures to triumph, and we are bone of her bone. And you saw St. Luc!"
"Often, sir. In the battle and in the preparations for it he was the right arm of the Marquis de Montcalm. He is a master of forest war."
"He is all that, Robert, my lad. A strange, a most brilliant man, he is one of our most formidable enemies."
"But a gallant47 one, sir. He did nothing to prevent my escape. I feel that at Ticonderoga as well as elsewhere I am greatly in his debt."
"Undoubtedly48 he favors you. It does not surprise me."
Intense curiosity leaped up in Robert's heart once more. What was he to St. Luc! What was St. Luc to him! All these elderly men seemed to hold a secret that was hidden from him, and yet it concerned him most. His lips twitched49 and he was about to ask a question, but he reflected that, as always before, it would not be answered, it would be evaded50, and he restrained his eager spirit. He knew that all the men liked him, that they had his good at heart, and that when the time came to speak they would speak. The words that had risen to his lips were unspoken.
Robert felt that his elders wanted to talk, that something they would rather not tell to the lads was in their minds, and meanwhile the brilliant sunshine and free air outside were calling to him and the Onondaga.
"I think," he said, addressing them all collectively, "that Tayoga and I should go to see Lieutenant51 Grosve[Pg 12]nor. He was our comrade in the forest, and he has been somewhat overcome by his great hardships."
"The idea would not be bad," said Master Benjamin Hardy. "Youth to youth, and, while you are gone, we old fellows will talk of days long ago as old fellows are wont52 to do."
And so they did want him and Tayoga to go! He had divined their wishes aright. He was quite sure, too, that when he and the Onondaga were away the past would be very little in their minds. These active men in the very prime of their powers were concerned most about the present and the future. Well, whatever it was he was sure they would discuss it with wisdom and foresight53.
"Come, Tayoga," he said. "Outdoors is calling to us."
"And be sure that you return in time for supper," said Master Jacobus. "This house is to be your home as long as you are in Albany. I should be offended mortally if you went elsewhere."
"No danger of that," said Robert. "Tayoga and I know a good home when we find it. And we know friends, too, when we see them."
It was a bit of sentiment, but he felt it very deeply and he saw that all of the men looked pleased. As he and Tayoga went out he noticed that they drew their chairs about the dining-room table that Caterina had cleared, and before the door closed upon the two lads they were already talking in low and earnest tones.
"They have affairs of importance which are not for us," he said, when he and the Onondaga were outside.
"It is so," said Tayoga. "The white people have their chiefs and sachems like the nations of the Hodenosaunee, and their ranks are filled by age. The young warriors are for the trail, the hunt, and the war path, and not for[Pg 13] the council. It is right that it should be thus. I do not wish to be a chief or a sachem before my time. I am glad, Dagaeoga, to enjoy youth, and let our elders do the hard thinking for us."
"So am I," said Robert joyfully54 as he filled his lungs with draught55 after draught of the fresh air. "No seat at the council for me! Not for twenty years yet! Give me freedom and action! Let others do the planning and take the responsibility!"
He felt a great elation56. His sanguine57 temperament58 had made a complete rebound59 from the depression following Ticonderoga. Although he did not know it the result was partly physical—good food and abundant rest, but he did not seek to analyze60 the cause, the condition was sufficient. The color in his cheeks deepened and his eyes glowed.
"Dagaeoga is feeling very, very good," said Tayoga.
"I am," replied Robert with emphasis. "I never felt better. I'm forgetting Ticonderoga; instead, I'm beholding61 our army at Quebec, and I'm seeing our flag wave over all Canada."
"Dagaeoga sees what he wants to see."
"It's not a bad plan. Then the lions die in your path."
"It is so. Dagaeoga speaks a great truth. We will now see how Red Coat feels."
A portion of the army that had retreated from Ticonderoga was camped on the flats near the town, and Robert and Tayoga walked swiftly toward the tents. It was a much more silent force, British and American, than that which had gone forth62 not so very long ago to what seemed certain victory. Officers and men were angry. They felt that they had been beaten when there was no reason why they should have been defeated. Obeying[Pg 14] orders, they had retreated in sullen63 silence, when they had felt sure they could have gone on, fought a new battle, and have crushed Montcalm. Now they waited impatiently for another call to advance on Canada, and win back their lost laurels64. Both lads felt the tension.
"They are like the wounded bear," said Tayoga. "They feel very sore, and they wish for revenge."
They learned that Grosvenor was in his tent and soon found him there lying upon his blankets. Some of the ruddy color was gone from his cheeks, and he looked worn and thin. But he sat up, and welcomed Robert and Tayoga joyously65.
"It's foolish of me to break down like this," he said, "but after we got back to civilization something seemed to cave in. I hope you chaps won't overlook the fact that I'm not as much used to the forest as you are, and bear in mind that I did my best."
"Red Coat's best was very good," said Tayoga in his grave, precise manner. "Few who have been in the forest as little as he could have done as much and have borne as much."
"Do you really think so, Tayoga? You're not merely flattering me?"
"Our wisest sachem would tell you so, Red Coat."
"Thanks, my friend. You make me feel better. I was lucky enough to go through the great battle with little hurt. It was a most ghastly slaughter, and I still dream of it. I stood up all right until we got back to Albany, and then I collapsed67. But to-morrow I'll be on my feet again. Your friends, Colden, Wilton and Carson are all here. They showed great courage and they have some slight wounds, but not enough to trouble 'em."
Robert found the Philadelphians a little later, and they all went back to Grosvenor's tent, where they were joined[Pg 15] in a half hour by the Virginians, Walter Stuart and James Cabell, who had been with them in Braddock's defeat and whom Robert had known at Williamsburg. It was a tight squeeze for them all in the tent, but there was another and joyous66 reunion. Youth responded to youth and hope was high.
"Stuart and I did not arrive in time for Ticonderoga," said Cabell, "but we mean to be in the next great battle."
"So we do!" exclaimed Cabell. "The Old Dominion68 had a taste of defeat at Fort Duquesne and you've had the like here. Now we'll all wait and see how victory agrees with us."
"Some of us have been in at both defeats," said Grosvenor rather sadly.
But the presence of so many friends and the cheerful talk made him feel so much better that he averred69 his ability to go anywhere and do anything at once.
"You've leave of absence if you wish it?" asked Cabell.
"For several days more," replied Grosvenor.
"Then let's all go into the town. I haven't had a good look at Albany yet. I want to see if it's as fine a place as Williamsburg."
"It's larger," said Robert.
"But size is not everything. That's where you northern people make your mistake."
"But you'll admit that Philadelphia's a fine city, won't you?" said Colden, "and you know it's the largest in the colonies."
"But it's comparatively near to Virginia," said Cabell briskly, "and our influence works wonders."
"We've our own conceit in Philadelphia," said Wilton, "but conceit and Virginia are just the same words, though they may have a different sound."
"Come on to the George Inn," said Grosvenor, "and[Pg 16] you can argue it out there. Old England likes to see this healthy rivalry70 among her children. She doesn't mind your being bumptious71."
"We're bumptious, because we're like our parent," said Cabell. "It's a matter of inheritance."
"Let the George Inn settle it. Come on, lads."
Grosvenor was feeling better and better. He was adaptable72 and this was a sprightly73 group, full of kindred spirits. The Virginians were as English as he was, and the others nearly as much so. He had acquitted74 himself well in the New World, in fields with which he was unfamiliar75, and these lads were friends. Danger and hardships faded quite away into a forgotten past. He was strong and well once more.
"You shall all be my guests at the George Inn!" he exclaimed. "We shall have refreshment and talk, plenty of both."
"As we Virginians are the oldest people in the colonies, it's the right of Stuart and myself to be the hosts," said Cabell.
"Aye, so 'tis," said Stuart.
"As we're from Philadelphia, the greatest and finest city in the country, it's the right of Wilton, Carson and myself," said Colden.
But Grosvenor was firm. He had given the invitation first, he said, and nobody could take the privilege from him. So the others yielded gracefully76, and in high good humor the eight, saying much and humming little songs, walked across the fields from the camp and into the town. Robert noticed the bustling77 life of Albany with approval. The forest made its appeal to him, and the city made another and different but quite as strong appeal. The old Fort Orange of the Dutch was crowded now, not only with troops but with all the forms of in[Pg 17]dustry that follow in the train of an army. The thrifty78 Dutch, despite their apprehension79 over the coming of the French, were busy buying, selling, and between battles much money was made.
The George Inn, a low building but long and substantial was down by the river. The great doors stood wide open and much life flowed in and out, showing that it too profited by war. The eight found seats at a table on a sanded floor, and contented themselves with lemonade, which they drank slowly, while they talked and looked.
It was a motley and strange throng80; American, English, Dutch, German, Indian, Swedish. A half dozen languages were heard in the great room, forerunner81 of the many elements that were to enter in the composition of the American nation. And the crowd was already cosmopolitan82. Difference of race attracted no attention. Men took no notice of Tayoga because he was an Indian, unless to admire his tall, straight figure and proud carriage. Albany had known the Iroquois a century and a half.
Robert's spirits, like Grovenor's, mounted. Here he was with many friends of his own age and kindred mind. Everything took on the color of rose. All of them were talking, but his own gift of speech was the finest. He clothed narrative83 with metaphor84 and illustration until it became so vivid that the others were glad to fall silent and listen to him, though Robert himself was unconscious of the fact. They made him relate once more his story of the battle as he saw it from inside the French lines at Ticonderoga, and, just as he came to the end of the tale, he caught a glimpse of a tall man entering the tavern85.
"Tell us what you saw from the other side," he said to Grosvenor, and they compelled the reluctant English[Pg 18]man to talk. Then Robert turned his eyes toward the tall man who was now sitting at a small table in the corner and drinking from a long glass. Something familiar in his walk had caught his attention as he came in, and, under cover of Grosvenor's talk, he wished to observe him again without being noticed even by his own comrades.
The stranger was sitting with the side of his face to Robert, and his features were not well disclosed. His dress was that of a seafaring man, rough but rather good in texture86, and a belt held a long dirk in a scabbard which was usual at that time. The hand that raised the long glass to his lips was large, red and powerful. Robert felt that his first belief was correct. He had seen him before somewhere, though he could not yet recall where, but when he turned his head presently he knew. They had met under such circumstances that neither was ever likely to forget time or place.
He was amazed that the stranger had come so boldly into Albany, but second thought told him that there was no proof against him, it was merely Robert's word against his. Among people absorbed in a great war his own story would seem wildly improbable and the stranger's would have all the savor87 of truth. But he knew that he could not be mistaken. He saw now the spare face, clean shaven, and the hard eyes, set close together, that he remembered so well.
Robert did not know what to do. He listened for a little while to Grosvenor's narrative but his attention wandered back to the seafaring man. Then he decided.
"Will you fellows talk on and excuse me for a few minutes?" he said.
"What is it, Lennox?" asked Colden.[Pg 19]
"I see an acquaintance on the other side of the room. I wish to speak to him."
"That being the case, we'll let you go, but we'll miss you. Hurry back."
"I'll stay only a few minutes. It's an old friend and I must have a little talk with him."
He walked with light steps across the room which was crowded, humming with many voices, the air heavy with smoke. The man was still at the small table, and, opposite him, was an empty chair in which Robert sat deliberately88, putting his elbows on the table, and staring into the hard blue eyes.
"I'm Peter Smith," he said. "You remember me?"
"Oh, yes, Peter," he said. "I know you, but I was not looking for you just at this moment."
"But I'm here."
"Perhaps you're coming back to your duty, is that it? Well, I'm glad. I've another ship now, and though you're a runaway90 seaman91 I can afford to let bygones be bygones."
"Always a particular sort of chap you were, Peter. It's asking a lot for me to change the business of my ship to suit you."
"But not too much."
The conversation was carried on in an ordinary tone. Neither raised his voice a particle. Nobody took any notice. His own comrades, engrossed93 in lively talk, seemed to have forgotten Robert for the moment, and he felt that he was master of the situation. Certainly the slaver would be more uncomfortable than he.[Pg 20]
"I was wondering," he said, "how long you mean to stay in Albany."
"It's a pleasant town," said the man, "as I have cause to know since I've been here before. I may remain quite a while. Still, I shall decide wholly according to my taste."
"But there is a certain element of danger."
"Oh, the war! I don't think the French even if they come to Albany will have a chance to take me."
"I didn't have the war in mind. There are other risks of which I think that I, Peter Smith, who sailed with you once before ought to warn you."
"It's good of you, Peter, to think so much of my safety, but I don't believe I've any cause for fear. I've always been able to take care of myself."
The last words were said with a little snap, and Robert knew they were meant as a defiance94, but he appeared not to notice.
"Ah, well you've shown that you know how to look out for number one," he said. "I'm only Peter Smith, a humble95 seaman, but I've the same faculty96. I bid you good-day."
"Good-day, Peter. I hope there's no ill feeling between us, and that each will have whatever he deserves!"
Cool! wonderfully cool, Robert thought, but he replied merely: "I trust so, too, and in that case it is easy to surmise97 what one of us would get."
He sauntered back to his comrades, and, lest he attract their attention, he did not look toward the slaver again for a minute or two. When he glanced in that direction he saw the man walking toward the door, not in any hurried manner, but as if he had all the time in the world, and need fear nobody. Cool! wonderfully cool, Robert thought a second time.[Pg 21]
The slaver went out, and Robert thought he caught a glimpse of a man meeting him, a second man in whose figure also there was something familiar. They were gone in an instant, and he was tempted98 to spring up and follow them, because the figure of which he had seen but a little at the door reminded him nevertheless of Achille Garay, the spy.
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perils
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| 极大危险( peril的名词复数 )； 危险的事（或环境） | |
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inciting
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| 刺激的，煽动的 | |
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snugness
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lurked
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| vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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5
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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7
larder
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| n.食物贮藏室，食品橱 | |
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8
slaughter
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| n.屠杀，屠宰；vt.屠杀，宰杀 | |
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9
defense
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| n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩 | |
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artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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civilized
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| a.有教养的，文雅的 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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13
lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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austere
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| adj.艰苦的；朴素的，朴实无华的；严峻的 | |
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conceit
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| n.自负，自高自大 | |
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imminent
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| adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的 | |
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17
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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19
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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20
offense
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| n.犯规，违法行为；冒犯，得罪 | |
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21
bide
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| v.忍耐；等候；住 | |
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22
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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throbbed
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| 抽痛( throb的过去式和过去分词 )； （心脏、脉搏等）跳动 | |
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climax
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| n.顶点；高潮；v.(使)达到顶点 | |
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repayment
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| n.偿还，偿还款；报酬 | |
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odds
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| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
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ushered
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| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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robust
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| adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的 | |
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hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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meticulous
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| adj.极其仔细的，一丝不苟的 | |
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sinewy
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| adj.多腱的，强壮有力的 | |
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perilous
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| adj.危险的，冒险的 | |
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34
gist
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| n.要旨；梗概 | |
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35
elicit
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| v.引出,抽出,引起 | |
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36
hustled
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| 催促（hustle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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narrated
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| v.故事( narrate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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39
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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40
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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41
embroidery
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| n.绣花，刺绣；绣制品 | |
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42
enacted
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| 制定（法律），通过（法案）( enact的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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43
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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44
clan
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| n.氏族，部落，宗族，家族，宗派 | |
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45
prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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boughs
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| 大树枝( bough的名词复数 ) | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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twitched
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| vt.& vi.（使）抽动，（使）颤动（twitch的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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50
evaded
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| 逃避( evade的过去式和过去分词 )； 避开； 回避； 想不出 | |
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51
lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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52
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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53
foresight
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| n.先见之明，深谋远虑 | |
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54
joyfully
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| adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 | |
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55
draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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56
elation
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| n.兴高采烈，洋洋得意 | |
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57
sanguine
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| adj.充满希望的，乐观的，血红色的 | |
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58
temperament
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| n.气质，性格，性情 | |
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59
rebound
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| v.弹回；n.弹回，跳回 | |
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60
analyze
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| vt.分析，解析 (=analyse) | |
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61
beholding
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| v.看，注视( behold的现在分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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62
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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63
sullen
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| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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64
laurels
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| n.桂冠，荣誉 | |
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65
joyously
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| ad.快乐地, 高兴地 | |
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66
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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67
collapsed
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| adj.倒塌的 | |
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68
dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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69
averred
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| v.断言( aver的过去式和过去分词 )；证实；证明…属实；作为事实提出 | |
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70
rivalry
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| n.竞争，竞赛，对抗 | |
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71
bumptious
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| adj.傲慢的 | |
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72
adaptable
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| adj.能适应的，适应性强的，可改编的 | |
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sprightly
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| adj.愉快的，活泼的 | |
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74
acquitted
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| 宣判…无罪( acquit的过去式和过去分词 )； 使（自己）作出某种表现 | |
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75
unfamiliar
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| adj.陌生的，不熟悉的 | |
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76
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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77
bustling
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| adj.喧闹的 | |
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78
thrifty
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| adj.节俭的；兴旺的；健壮的 | |
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79
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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80
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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81
forerunner
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| n.前身，先驱（者），预兆，祖先 | |
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82
cosmopolitan
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| adj.世界性的，全世界的，四海为家的，全球的 | |
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83
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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84
metaphor
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| n.隐喻，暗喻 | |
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85
tavern
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| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
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86
texture
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| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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87
savor
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| vt.品尝，欣赏；n.味道，风味；情趣，趣味 | |
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88
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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89
flicker
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| vi./n.闪烁，摇曳，闪现 | |
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90
runaway
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| n.逃走的人，逃亡，亡命者；adj.逃亡的，逃走的 | |
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91
seaman
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| n.海员，水手，水兵 | |
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92
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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93
engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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94
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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95
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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96
faculty
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| n.才能；学院，系；(学院或系的)全体教学人员 | |
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97
surmise
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| v./n.猜想，推测 | |
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98
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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