“Could you receive her, without inquiring into past events?”
“That would he—that would he!” returned the Alderman. “I answer for it, that Mr. Van Staats complies with all engagements, as punctually as the best house in Amsterdam, itself.”
The book again trembled, but it was with a waving and dissatisfied motion.
“What is thy will with our mistress?” demanded the free-trader, of the fair-haired sailor.
“I have bargained with some of the dealers of my country, for a wind to carry the brigantine through the inlet.”
“Go.—The Water-Witch will sail when there is need;—and you?”
“I wish to know whether a few skins I bought last night, for a private venture, will turn to good account?”
“Trust the sea-green lady for your profits. When did she ever let any fail, in a bargain. Child, what has brought thee hither?”
The boy trembled, and a little time elapsed before he found resolution to answer.
“They tell me it is so queer to be upon the land!”