"The tall Quaker. He will go to the Pewter Platter. Jonas Evans has been suspected for some time. When he has loaded up afresh and is about starting will be the time to seize him."
Andrew Henry did not move a muscle while two men scrutinized him closely. Afterward one of them approached with a half-insolent air.
"Is trade fair to-day, Friend Broadbrim? The winter seems quite broken up. And round about country places they are plowing, no doubt. If thou hast made a good bargain thou mightst stand treat. We have drained the King's men pretty dry."
"Nay, I am busy just now with some bills to collect, but if thou wilt meet me an hour hence at the Pewter Platter, thou shalt have thy fill of meat and drink. And since my start was early this morning I shall bring a hearty appetite myself."
"Thou art a good fellow, truly," nodding with a slight leer.
"And since thou hast to wait, here is a shilling for ale. There are pot houses near by," returned Andrew.
He watched the man enter one. Then he summoned one of the idle boys about.
"Keep my horses for five minutes," he said, "and thou shalt be well paid." Then he dashed among the crowd, and could not have been told from a dozen other men in drab coats and wide hats.