“Look,” said he, pointing to the riders. “There is Patrick Henry, who made that great speech before the Virginia Assembly, and Colonel Washington, who saved Braddock’s army from destruction in the wilderness.”
Ben Cooper gazed at those two famous colonists with the utmost interest. In Mr. Henry he saw a tall man with bent shoulders and a strong face; in Washington, the athletic figure and calm, powerful personality that impressed every one who saw him. As the two rode by the place where the boys were standing they noted Mr. Washington say something to his companion in a quick undertone. The latter turned his head with a look of interest and then both saluted Nat Brewster gravely.
As the statesmen proceeded down the street, Ezra Prentiss looked at the young mountaineer in surprise.
“Why, they seem to know you,” exclaimed he.
Ben laughed at this; he was about to speak, when he felt Nat secretly tug at the skirt of his coat. Discreetly he kept silent.
“Yes,” replied Nat quietly to Ezra. “I have a slight acquaintance with the gentlemen.”
Ezra smiled at the tone used by his new acquaintance.
“I thought I was going to have the pleasure of pointing out all the notables,” said he. “But I’m afraid now that I’m not.” Then with a quick glance of interest, he added, “Do you know any of the other members of the Congress?”
“Mr. Pendleton only,” replied Nat.
At this he saw Ezra start; he also caught a distinct change of expression. But a moment later it was gone, and the youth from Massachusetts Bay laughed gaily.