“That may be true enough,” said the old gentleman. “Indeed, I have no doubt but that it is, for the sight of bare bayonets in the hands of resolute fellows will make them run fast enough, I warrant you. But, nevertheless, that does not alter the present condition. It does not remove the fact that an English governor is penned up in Fort George, that English troops with muskets, cannon and other equipment sit idly by and permit His Majesty’s town to be overrun by rebels.”
“When Tryon returns he will make an end of it. He is even now on the sea, so I have heard. The situation needs only a resolved man,” and the little gentleman waved a hand assuringly.
But the other was not in the least quieted by this view.
“The people of New York,” said he, bitterly, “would, from what I have seen of them, dare do anything against the peace, if it be agreed with their rebellious fancies. The king’s desires are not enough for them. They must have representatives in Parliament, forsooth! They must not be taxed without their own consent! Nothing must be done in the matter of the colonies that they don’t, in their pride, consider fit and proper.” Mr. Camp laughed scornfully. “Oh, no, no, Mr. Dana, you are a good man of business and far-sighted enough in trade; but you are blind to what is going on around you.”
This conversation was plainly heard by those on board the “Nancy Breen.” The skipper winked at the bronzed young man.
“The old gentleman seems to fancy a spell of bad weather,” said he.
“And he doesn’t seem the sort to strip and run before a gale,” returned the young passenger. “Do you know him?”
“By reputation only, Master Prentiss. He’s a merchant in the West India trade, now retired from active service. He’s said to be as rich as the king himself; anyway, he lives somewhere in the Jerseys in a fine manor house and comes to New York but seldom.”
“For a retired merchant,” commented George Prentiss, “he takes an uncommon interest in shipping.”
“Oh, as for that, he’s retired only from the active work of it. He still has his moneys in the trade, I’m told. The gentleman who just now boarded us is his partner. But,” and the skipper looked at George inquiringly, “of course you knew that.”