The Sun of Quebec | Page 4

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 Hardy 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 offense. Bide here, my friends, and I will go for them.
Alexander, sit with the lads and partake of refreshment 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 kindly heart under his crusty manner, answered them all readily and
freely. Elderly and bookish though he was, his heart throbbed 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 climax there. We must have repayment 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."
"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 odds that it's Jacobus with
his friends."
The door was opened and Mr. Huysman with many words of welcome
ushered 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 robust and hearty as ever. Jonathan Pillsbury, tall, thin

and dressed with meticulous care, also permitted himself a smile.
"Robert, my lad!" exclaimed Benjamin Hardy, dropping his baggage
and holding out two sinewy 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 perilous. 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
memorable 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 gist, 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 elicit two.
"Our conversation has been repeated with accuracy," he said. "I do not
yet know why I have