And I say also that yours is the kindliest and most welcome face I've looked upon in many a day.

Farewell." "Farewell," said the man, staring after him.
Two hours later Robert was being rowed across the Hudson by a stalwart waterman.

As he passed by the spot where his boat had been cut down by the schooner he took off his hat.
"Why do you do that ?" asked the waterman.
"Because at this spot my life was in great peril a few days ago, or rather, here started the peril from which I have been delivered most mercifully." An hour later he stood on the solid stone doorstep of Master Benjamin Hardy, important ship owner, merchant and financier.

The whimsical fancy that so often turned his troubles and hardships into little things seized Robert again.

He adjusted carefully his somewhat bedraggled clothing, set the sword and pistols in his belt at a rakish slant, put the pack on the step beside him, and, lifting the heavy brass knocker, struck loudly.