THE RAYMOND TAVERN
"I knew that, father. Do you suppose I didn't notice you chuckling to yourself when you thought no one saw you?"
"Well, I suppose you did, you young rascal; I couldn't help it, I was that surprised and delighted. To think of Jonas Parker telling me he didn't know but that you were a better wrestler than he. And to see you hustle that man about and throw him made me so proud that I felt ashamed and humbled. And when you thought I was scolding you, I was really reproving my own sinful vanity and pride."
After supper we went up to the Raymond Tavern. Quite a crowd of men were in the bar-room. They were seated in front of a great fire of logs and peat. Captain Rogers was in their midst.
Edmund came up, and made us acquainted with the captain. He shook hands with me, and turning to father, said:—
"This is a likely young fellow, Mr. Comee. I wish I could have him with me in my corps."
"It is possible," said father. "We have had some slight talk about it. We will think it over."
Rogers was a big man, over six feet high, well proportioned, and apparently very strong. Later on I learned that his strength was wonderful. His features were prominent, strong, but not agreeable. His eyes were not good eyes. At times, a hard, cruel look came into his face.
He seemed to be a man of great hardihood, of great presence of mind, keen and unscrupulous,—a man I should not wish for a neighbour.