“It is all truth,” stated the stranger positively. “The fact is recognized by the leading spirits in this movement, at least. And if the time ever comes, and I sincerely hope it shall not, that blows be struck in this land, there shall be no lack of men of English birth in the colonial army.”
The man then proceeded to enlarge upon his theme and to point out to Nat that the great mass of the British population sympathized with the colonists, that it was only certain merchants and ministers who, it seemed, had combined to oppress them. He was still so engaged when the landlady appeared in the kitchen door.
“Sir,” she announced, addressing the Englishman, “I would be much beholden to you if you would step in here and look to your dishes before they are made ready. I am not honored by so particular a person every day, and would wish to be sure that my poor skill as a cook has not led me wrong.”
With a laugh the stranger arose, and Nat saw that he was of remarkable height and had wide, strong shoulders. And, while the young mountaineer had had little opportunity to observe the habits of military men, he at once put him down as a soldier.
“He has the bearing that I would think a trained officer would have,” was the lad’s instant thought.
“You’ll pardon me, I know,” said the stranger. “The art of dining well is a very important one, as you’ll learn by the time you reach my age: so I must not miss this opportunity.”
After the speaker had followed the hostess into the kitchen, Nat sat upon the bench and cogitated.
“There is something queer about him, for all he’s so well spoken,” was the lad’s judgment. “I hardly think I should like to have much dealing with him.”
He patiently awaited his three companions; but as they seemed in no hurry to join him he bent over and picked up the newspaper which the Englishman had so contemptuously thrown aside.
As it happened, it was folded just as the man had been reading it, and Nat saw at once that it was a detailed account of the proceedings of Congress that must have excited the reader’s derision. Nat put down the sheet, and an expression of understanding crossed his face.