“’Pon my soul!” ejaculated the dragoon. “I no more took you the other day for what you are, than I’d have taken you for the man in the moon.” He grasped the young New Englander’s reluctant hand and shook it effusively. “I’m delighted to meet you.”
Hyde also shook his hand, but with more moderation.
“General Putnam gave us some hint of your service,” said he, “and I beg your pardon for any shortness of manner that I may have used toward you. You see, every day there are persons introducing themselves at headquarters who have nothing but presumption to back them up.”
“And,” said George, nettled, “you took me for one of those, then. Why, thank you,” with a bow; “it was extremely good of you.”
Hyde laughed and clapped him upon the back.
George resented the slap upon the back; he was not the sort who took kindly to any form of familiarity upon short acquaintance. But these men were enlisted in the same cause; and he felt it his place to be on a good footing with them. So the only way his anger manifested itself was in his stepping out of reach of both, and drawing himself stiffly erect.
But Hyde did not appear to notice his manner. “You are quartered at the ‘King’s Arms’ still, I think,” said he.
George nodded.
“It’s a very good place, as such places go,” said Hyde. “But it is apt to stale after a little time spent in it.” He regarded the young New Englander in a most kindly fashion. “Do you intend making any stay in New York?”
“My orders were to put myself under the directions of General Putnam until such time as the commander-in-chief arrived.”