However, on this day matters took a different turn.
Barclugh stepped up to the old gentlemen and inquired modestly:
“Gentlemen, may I ask you the best road to Princeton?”
“To be sure, sir,” replied old Samuel, as he turned toward Barclugh, leaning forward with both hands on his walking-stick as he sat gazing into Barclugh’s face:
“But have we the pleasure of the gentleman’s name and occupation?” quizzed the old man.
Barclugh was not quite ready for the inquisitive familiarity of the reply, but as he commenced with a question there was no alternative in his case but to answer up cheerfully:
“My name is Pierre La Fitte; I am a merchant of Philadelphia on my way to Fishkill Landing.”
“Humph, you got a pretty skittish ride before you, Mr. La Fitte, and I b’leeve the longest road is the shortest for you. You just keep right on to Princeton and then to Morristown Heights and when you git five miles beyond Morristown you ask for my son-in-law, Benjamin Andrews, and he will take good care of you and all you need to tell him is that you met old Samuel Whitesides and it won’t cost you a farthing for your keep.”
“Have we the pleasure of the gentleman’s name and
occupation?” quizzed the old man.