Part 10 (1/2)
”So they will,” said Tayoga. ”As I have said to you before, Dagaeoga, it will be wise for us to return to the wilderness as soon as we can. The red man's forest still seems to be safer than the white man's town.”
They reached Albany, tied up the boat, and walked in the early dawn to the house of Mynheer Jacobus Huysman, where Caterina met them at the door with a cry of joy. Master Jacobus appeared in a few moments, his face showing great relief.
”Where have you lads been?” he exclaimed.
”We have been in much danger,” replied Robert soberly, ”but we're out of it now, and here we are.”
The others, all of whom had lain down fully dressed, came soon, and Robert told the story of the night, beginning with the spy's attempt upon the third drawer in the chest of drawers. Mr. Huysman and Mr. Hardy exchanged glances.
”That drawer does contain papers of value,” said Mr. Huysman, ”but I'll see that they're put to-day in a place into which no thief can break.”
”And it would perhaps be well for young Mr. Lennox also to keep himself in a safe place,” said Mr. Hervey, who had spent the night too in Mr.
Huysman's house. ”It seems that a most determined effort is being made against him.”
”Thank you, sir, for your interest in me,” said Robert, ”and I'll do my best to be cautious.”
He ate a hearty breakfast and then, on the insistence of Master Jacobus, lay down. Declaring that he would not sleep, he fell asleep nevertheless in ten minutes, and did not awake until the afternoon. He learned then that Albany was feeling better. Many of the rumors that Montcalm was advancing had been quieted. Scouts brought word that he was yet at Lake Champlain, and that he had not given any sign of marching upon Albany.
Robert learned also that the council in Mr. Huysman's house had been to take measures of offense as well as defense. Alan Hervey spoke for the leading men of New York and he was to tell Albany for them that they would make a mighty effort. A campaign had been lost, but another would be undertaken at once, and it would be won. They had no doubt that Boston, Baltimore and Charleston were doing the same. The strong men of the Colonies intended to a.s.sure England of their staunch support, and the English-speaking race not dreaming perhaps even then that it was to become such a mighty factor in the world, would fight to the bitter end for victory.
”I go back by sloop to New York to-morrow,” said Mr. Hardy to him, ”and of course Jonathan Pillsbury goes with me. There are important affairs of which I must speak to you some day, Robert, and believe me, my lad, I do not speak of them to you now because the reasons are excellent. I know you've borne yourself bravely in many dangers, and I know you will be as strong of heart in others to come. I'm sorry I have to go away without seeing Willet, but you could not be in safer hands than his.”
”And I know, too,” said Robert earnestly, ”that I could have no better friend than you, Mr. Hardy, nor you, Mr. Pillsbury.”
He spoke with the frank sincerity that always made such an appeal to everybody, and Mr. Hardy patted him approvingly on the shoulder.
”And don't forget me, Mr. Lennox,” said Mr. Hervey. ”I want you to be my guest in New York some day. We live in tremendous times, and so guard yourself well.”
They left with a favoring breeze and the swift sloop that bore them was soon out of sight. Robert, Tayoga, Mr. Huysman and Master McLean, who had seen them off, walked slowly back up the hill to Mr. Huysman's house.
”I feel that they brought us new courage,” said Master Jacobus. ”New York iss a great town, a full equal to Boston, though they are very unlike, and do not forget, Robert, that the merchants and financiers have much to say in a vast war like this which is vexing the world to-day.”
”I do not forget it, sir,” said Robert. ”I have seen New York and its wealth and power. They say that it has nearly twenty thousand inhabitants--and some day I hope to see London too. Lieutenant Grosvenor is coming. Can we stop and speak to him?”
”Of course, my lad, but Master Alexander and I have pressing business and you will pardon us if we go on. If Lieutenant Grosvenor will come to my house as my guest bring him, and tell him to stay as long as he will.”
”That I will, sir, and gladly,” said Robert, as he and Tayoga turned aside to meet the young Englishman.
The meeting had all the warmth of youth and of real liking. Grosvenor was fully restored now and his intense interest in everything that was happening was undiminished. They strolled on together. Robert and Tayoga did not say anything for the present about their adventure of the preceding night with the slaver and the spy, but Robert delivered the invitation of Master Jacobus.
”If you can get leave come and stay a while with us in the house of Mr.
Huysman,” he said. ”He bids me give you a most hospitable welcome, and when he says a thing he means not only what he says but a good deal more, too. You'll have a fine bed and you may have to eat more than you can well stand.”
”It appeals to me,” said Grosvenor, ”and I'd come, but I'm leaving Albany in a day or two.”
”Leaving Albany! I suppose I shouldn't ask where you're going.”
”I'll tell you without the asking. I'm going with some other officers to Boston, where we're to await orders. Between you and me, Lennox, I think we shall take a sea voyage from Boston, maybe to Nova Scotia.”