When the demands of hospitality were somewhat satisfied, he put aside knife and fork, and said to Mr.
Hardy: "And now, old friend, it iss no impertinence on my part to ask what hass brought you to Albany." Master Benjamin, who was gravely filling a pipe, lighted it, took one puff, and replied: "No, Jacobus, it is no impertinence.

No question that you might ask me could be an impertinence.

You and I are old friends, and I think we understand each other.

I have to say in reply that I have come here on a matter of army contracts, to get a clearer and better view of the war which is going to mean so much to all of us, and to attend to one or two matters personal to myself." Robert, excusing himself, had risen and was looking out of a window at a passing company of soldiers.

Mynheer Jacobus glanced at him and then glanced back at the merchant.
"It iss a good lad," he said, "und you watch over him as well as you can." "Aye, I do my best," replied Hardy in the same subdued tones, "but he is bold of spirit, full of imagination and adventurous, and, though I would fain keep him out of the war, I cannot.