CHAPTER III
THE PURSUIT OF GARAY
Robert paused a few moments in the hall. Sounds of voices came from thedining room, showing that the supper was still in progress. He thoughtof going back there to listen to the talk, but he reflected that thetime for youth at the table had passed. They were in their secrets now,and he strolled toward the large room that contained the chest ofdrawers.
A dim light from an unshuttered window shone into the apartment and itwas in his mind to wait there for Tayoga, but he stopped suddenly at thedoor and stared in astonishment. A shadow was moving in the room, thin,impalpable and noiseless, but it had all the seeming of a man. Moreover,it had a height and shape that were familiar, and it reminded him of thespy, Garay.
He was too much surprised to move, and so he merely stared. Garay kneltbefore the chest of drawers and began to work at it with a small sharptool that he drew from his coat. Robert saw, too, that his attention wascentered on the third drawer from the top. Then he came out of hiscatalepsy and started forward, but in doing so his foot made a slightnoise on the floor.
Garay leaped to his feet, gave Robert one glance and then disappearedthrough the open window, with incredible dexterity and speed. Robertstared again. The man was there and then he was not. It could not beGaray, but his ghost, some illusion, a trick of the eye or mind. Then heknew it was no fancy. With extraordinary assurance the man had comethere to rifle the drawer--for what purpose Robert knew not.
He ran to the window, but saw nothing save the peaceful night, thewaving trees and the quiet lawn lying beyond. Then he walked to thechest and examined the third drawer, noticing new scratches around thelock. There was not the slightest doubt that Garay had been trying toopen it.
He went to the door, resolved to tell Mr. Huysman at once of the attemptupon the chest, but he stopped irresolute. The low sounds of talk stillcame from the dining-room. He was only a boy and his was a mostimprobable tale. They might think he had been dreaming, though he knewfull well that he had seen straight and true. And then Garay was gone,leaving no trace. No, he would not interrupt Mr. Huysman now, but hewould talk it over with Tayoga.
He found the Onondaga standing among the trees, gazing with rapt visionat his star.
"Did Tododaho speak to you?" asked Robert.
"He did," replied Tayoga earnestly.
"What did he say?"
"That the great war will go on, and that you and I and the Great Bear,who is away, will encounter many more perils. The rest is veiled."
"And while we take our ease, Tayoga, our enemies are at work."
"What does Dagaeoga mean?"
"I went into the room containing the chest of drawers, the story ofwhich you read, and found there Garay, the spy, trying to open it."
"Dagaeoga does not dream?"
"Oh, I thought for a moment or two that I did, but it was reality. Garayescaped through the open window, and, on the lock of the third drawer,were scratches that he left where he had been working with a sharp tool.Come, Tayoga, and look at them."
The two went into the house. Robert lighted a lamp for better light, andTayoga knelt before the drawer, giving it a long and close examination.
"Garay is a very clever man," he said at last, "much cleverer, perhaps,than we gave him the credit of being."
"I think so too," said Robert.
"As events show, he came into this house to obtain the papers in thisdrawer, and you and I feel quite certain that those papers concern you.And as you saw him and the slaver together, it indicates that they havesome plot against you, what I know not. But the papers here have much todo with it."
"Do you think I should speak of it to Master Jacobus and Mr. Hardy now?"
"I think not, Dagaeoga. Whatever is the mystery about you it is evidentthat they do not wish to tell you of it yet. So, being what you are, youwill not ask them, but wait until such time as they see fit. I thinkthese scratches on the lock were made by the sharp point of a huntingknife. Garay did not succeed in opening it, though it is likely that hewould have done so if you had not interrupted him."
"When he saw me he was gone like a flash. I did not know a man couldskip through a window with so much celerity."
"One has to be skillful at such things to carry on the trade of a spy.That is why he could have opened this lock, large and strong as it is,with the point of his hunting knife had he been allowed time, and thatis why he flew through the window like a bird when you came upon him."
He examined the window, and then laughed a little.
"But he did not go without leaving further proof of himself," he said."Here on the sill is the faintest trace of blood where he bruised hishand or wrist in his rapid flight."
"Suppose you try to trail him, Tayoga. I believe you could find outwhich way he went, even here in Albany. The men will talk in there along time, and won't miss us. There's a fair moon."
"I will try," said Tayoga in his precise fashion. "First we will look atthe ground under the window."
They went outside and the Onondaga examined the grass beneath it, thedrop being five or six feet.
"As he had to come down hard, he ought to have left traces," saidRobert.
"So he did, Dagaeoga. I find several imprints, and there also are two orthree drops of blood, showing that he scratched his hand considerablywhen he went through the window. Here go the traces, leading north.Garay, of course, knows this immediate locality well, as he observed itclosely when he made his attempt upon you before. It is lucky that itrained yesterday, leaving the ground soft. We may be able to follow himquite a distance."
"If anybody can follow him, you can."
"It is friendship that makes Dagaeoga speak so. The trail continues inits original course, though I think that sooner or later it will turntoward the river."
"Meaning that Garay will meet the slaver somewhere, and that the naturalplace of the latter is on the water."
"Dagaeoga reasons well. That, I think, is just what Garay will do. It islikely, too, that he will curve about the town. If he went upon a hardstreet we would lose him, since he would leave no trail there, but hewill keep away because he does not wish to be seen. Ah, he now turnsfrom the houses and into the fields! We shall be able to follow him. Themoon is our friend. It is pouring down rays enough to disclose histrail, if trail he leaves."
They were soon beyond the houses and climbed three fences dividing thefields. At the third, Tayoga said:
"Garay paused here and rested. There is a drop of blood on the top rail.He probably sat there and looked back to see if he was followed. Ah,here is a splinter on a lower rail freshly broken!"
"What do you make of it, Tayoga?"
"The spy was angry, angry that his effort, made at such great risk,should have failed through the mere chance of your coming into the roomat that particular time. He was angry, too, that he had bruised his handso badly that it bled, and continued to bleed. So, his disappointmentmade him grind his heel against the rail and break the splinter."
"I'm glad he felt that way. A man in his trade ought to suffer manydisappointments."
"When he had satisfied himself that no pursuit was in sight, he jumpedto the ground. Here are deep imprints made by his descending weight, andnow he becomes less careful. Albany is behind us, and he thinks alldanger of pursuit has passed. I see a little brook ahead, and it is safeto say that he will kneel at it and drink."
"And also to bathe his wounded hand."
"Even so, Dagaeoga. Lo, it is as we said! Here are the imprints of hisknees, showing that he refreshed himself with water after his hurriedflight. The ground on the other side of the brook is soft and we shallbe able to find his imprints there, even if it were pitch dark. Now Ithink they will turn very soon toward the river."
"Yes, they're curving. Here they go, Tayoga."
The trail led across a field, over a hill, and then through a littlewood, where Tayoga was compelled to go slowly, hunting about like ahound, trying to trace a scent. But wherever he lost it he finallypicked
it up again, and, when they emerged from the trees, they saw theriver not far ahead.
"Our trail will end at the stream," said Tayoga confidently.
As he had predicted, the imprints led directly to the river, and thereended their pursuit also. The Hudson flowed on in silence. There wasnothing on its bosom.
"The slaver in a boat was waiting for him here," said Tayoga. "I thinkwe can soon find proof of it."
A brief examination of the bank showed traces where the prow had rested.
"It was probably a boat with oars for two," he said. "The slaver sat init most of the time, but he grew impatient at last and leaving the boatwalked up the bank a little distance. Here go his steps, showing veryplainly in the soft earth in the moonlight, and here come those of Garayto meet him. They stood at the top of the bank under this oak, and thespy told how he had failed. Doubtless, the slaver was much disappointed,but he did not venture to upbraid Garay, because the spy is as necessaryto him as he is to the spy. After they talked it over they walked downthe bank together--see their trails going side by side--entered the boatand rowed away. I wish the water would leave a trail, too, that we mightfollow them, but it does not."
"Do you think they'll dare go back to Albany?"
"The slaver will. What proof of any kind about anything have we? Down!Dagaeoga, down!"
Fitting the action to the word, the Onondaga seized Robert by theshoulders suddenly and dragged him to the earth, falling with him. As hedid so a bullet whistled where Robert's head had been and a little puffof smoke rose from a clump of bushes on the opposite shore.
"They're there in their boat among the bushes that grow on the water'sedge!" exclaimed Tayoga. "I ought to have thought of it, but I did see amovement among the bushes in time! I cannot see their faces or the boat,either, but I know it is Garay and the slaver."
"I have no weapon," said Robert. "It did not occur to me that I wouldneed one."
"I have a pistol in my tunic. I always carry one when I am in the whiteman's country. It is wise."
"Under the circumstances, I think we'd better slip away and leave thespy and the slaver to enjoy the river as they please, for to-night atleast."
He was about to rise, but Tayoga pulled him down a second time and areport heavier than the first came from the far shore. Another bulletpassed over their heads and struck with a sough in the trunk of a bigtree beyond them.
"That was from a rifle. The other was from a pistol," said Tayoga. "Itis the slaver, of course, who has the rifle, and they mean to make itvery warm for us. Perhaps an unexpected chance gives them hope to dohere what they expected to achieve later on."
"Meaning a final disposition of me?"
"That was in my mind, Dagaeoga. I think it is you at whom they willshoot and you would better creep away. Lie almost flat and edge alonguntil you come to the trees, which are about twenty yards behind us.There, you will be safe."
"And leave you alone, Tayoga! What have I ever done to make you thinkI'd do such a thing?"
"It is not Tayoga whom they want. It is Dagaeoga. I cannot go withouttaking a shot at them, else my pistol would burn me inside my tunic. Bewise as I am, Dagaeoga. Always carry a pistol when you are in the whiteman's towns. Life is reasonably safe only in the red man's forest."
"It looks as if you were right, Tayoga, but remember that I stay herewith you as long as you stay."
"Then keep close to the earth. Roll back a bit and you will be shelteredbetter by that little rise."
Robert obeyed, and it was well that he did so, as the heavy riflecracked a second time, and a plowing bullet caused fine particles ofearth to fly over him. Tayoga leveled his pistol at the flash and smoke,but did not pull the trigger.
"Why didn't you fire, Tayoga?" asked Robert.
"I could not see well enough. They and their boat are still hidden bythe bushes in which they remain, because from there they can command thebank where we lie."
"Then it looks as if each side held the other. If they come out of thebushes you use your pistol on 'em, and if we retreat farther they usetheir rifle on us. You'll notice, Tayoga, that we're in a little dip,and if we go out of it on our far side in retreat we'll make a target ofourselves. If they leave the bushes on their far side to climb their ownbank they come into view. It's checkmate for both."
"It is so, Dagaeoga. It is a difficult position for you, but not for me.We of the red races learn to have patience, because we are not in such ahurry to consume time as you white people are."
"That is true, but it is not a moment for a discussion of the relativemerits of white and red."
"We are likely to have plenty of leisure for it, since I think we aredoomed to a long wait."
"I think you're happy over it, Tayoga. Your voice has a pleased ring."
"I'm not unhappy. I see a chance to gratify a curiosity that I have longhad. I wish to see whether the white race, even in great danger, whereit is most needed, has as much patience as the red. Ah, Dagaeoga, youwere incautious! Do not raise your head again. You, at least, do nothave as much patience as the occasion requires."
The third bullet had passed so near Robert that cold shivers raced overhis body and he resolved not to raise his head again a single inch, nomatter what the temptation.
"Remember that it is you whom they want," said Tayoga in his precise,book English. "Having the rifle they can afford to try shots at longerrange, but with the pistol I must wait until I can see them clearly.Well, Dagaeoga, it is a fine evening, not too cold, we need fresh airafter a big supper, and perhaps one could not find a pleasanter place inwhich to pass the night."
"You mean that we may lie here until day?"
"Dagaeoga speaks as if that would be remarkable. My father waited oncethree days and three nights beside a run to obtain a deer. He neitherate nor drank during that time, but he went home with the deer. If hecould wait so long for something to eat, cannot we wait as long when ourlives are at stake?"
"According to the laws of proportion we should be willing to stay here aweek, at least. Can you see anything moving in the bushes over there,Tayoga?"
"Not a thing. They too are patient men, the slaver and the spy, andhaving missed several times with the rifle they will bide a while,hoping that we will expose ourselves."
The Onondaga settled himself comfortably against the earth, his pistollying on the little rise in front of him, over which his eyes watchedthe clump of bushes into which the boat had gone. If the slaver and thespy made any attempt to slip forth, whether on the water or up the bank,he would certainly see them, and he would not withhold the pressure ofhis finger on the trigger.
The full moon still shone down, clothing the world in a beautiful silverlight. The stars in myriads danced in a sky of soft, velvety blue. Theriver flowed in an illuminated, molten mass. A light wind hummed apleasant song among the brown leaves. Robert had a curious feeling ofrest and safety. He was quite sure that neither the slaver nor the spycould hit him while he lay in the dip, and no movement of theirs wouldescape the observation of Tayoga, the incomparable sentinel. He relaxed,and, for a few moments, his faculties seemed to fall into a dreamystate.
"If I should go to sleep, Tayoga," he said, "wake me up when you needme."
"You will not go to sleep."
"How do you know? I feel a lot like it."
"It is because the worry you felt a little while ago has passed. Youbelieve that in this duel of patience we shall conquer."
"I know that we'll conquer, Tayoga, because you are here."
"Dagaeoga's flattery is not subtle."
"It's not flattery. It's my real belief."
The night wore on. The breeze that rustled the leaves was warm andsoothing, and Robert's sleepiness increased. But he fought against it.He used his will and brought his body roughly to task, shaking himselfviolently. He also told himself over and over again that they were in aposition of great danger, that he must be on guard, that he must notleave the duty to the Onondaga alone. Such violent efforts graduallydrove sleep away, and ra
ising his head a few inches he looked over therise.
The whole surface of the river still showed clearly in the moonlight, asit flowed slowly and peacefully on, silver in tint most of the time, butnow and then disclosing shades of deep blue. Directly opposite was theclump of bushes in which the slaver and the spy had pushed their boat.An easy shot for a rifle, but a hard one for a pistol.
Robert studied the bushes very closely, trying to discern their enemiesamong them, but he saw nothing there save a slight movement of theleaves before the wind. It was possible that his foes had slipped away,going up the other bank in some manner unseen. Since he could discoverno trace of them he began to believe that it was true, and he raised hishead another inch for a better look.
Crack! went the rifle, and the bullet sang so close to his face that atfirst he thought he was hit. He stared for a moment at the puff of smokerising from the bushes, his faculties in a daze. Then he came to himselfall at once and dropped back abruptly, feeling his head gingerly to seethat it was sound everywhere. But he was certain that the slaver and thespy were there.
"Dagaeoga was rash," said the Onondaga.
"I know now I was. Still, I feel much relief because I've settled aproblem that was troubling me."
"What was it?"
"I wasn't sure that our enemies were still there. Now I am."
"If you feel like it yet, I think you may go to sleep. Nothing is likelyto happen for a long time, and I can awaken you at any moment."
"Thank you, Tayoga, but I've banished the wish. I know I can't doanything without a weapon, but I can give you moral help. They're boundto try something sometime or other, because when the day comes otherpeople may arrive--we're not so far from Albany--and they're guilty,we're not. We don't mind being seen."
"It is so, Dagaeoga. You talk almost like a man. At times you reasonwell. Finding that we are as patient as they are they will make amovement in an hour or two, though I think we are not likely to see it."
"An hour or two? Then I think I'd better make myself comfortable again."
He settled his body against the brown turf which was soft and soothing,and, in spite of himself, the wish for sleep returned. It was so quietthat one was really invited to go away to slumberland, and then he hadeaten much at the big supper. After a long time, he was sinking into adoze when he was dragged back abruptly from it by a report almost at hisear that sounded like the roar of a cannon. He sat up convulsively, andsaw Tayoga holding in his hand a smoking pistol.
"Did you hit anything?" he asked.
"I saw a stir in the bushes over there," replied the Onondaga, "andfired into them. I do not think my bullet found its target, but we willwait. I have ammunition in my pocket, and meanwhile I will reload."
He put in the powder and ball, still keeping an eye on the bushes. Hewaited a full half hour and then he handed the pistol to Robert.
"Watch, and use it if need be," he said, "while I swim over and get theboat."
"Get the boat! What are you talking about, Tayoga? Has the moon struckyou with a madness?"
"Not at all, Dagaeoga. The slaver and the spy are gone, leaving behindthem the boat which they could not take with them, and we might as wellhave it."
"Are you sure of what you are saying?"
"Quite sure, Dagaeoga. But for precaution's sake you can watch well withthe pistol and cover my approach."
He thrust the weapon into Robert's hand, quickly threw off his clothingand sprang into the water, swimming with strong strokes toward thedense, high bushes that lined the opposite shore. Robert watched thelithe, brown figure cleave the water, disappear in the bushes and thenreappear a moment or two later, rowing a boat. All had fallen out as theOnondaga had said, and he quickly came back to the western side.
"It is a good boat," he said, "a trophy of our victory, and we will useit. Take the oars, Dagaeoga, while I put on my clothes again. Our longwait is over."
Robert sprang into the boat, while Tayoga, standing upon the bank, shookhimself, making the drops fly from him in a shower.
"Which way did they go?" asked Robert.
"They crept down the stream among the bushes between the water and thecliff. They could force their bodies that way but not the boat. I feltsure they had gone after my pistol shot, because I saw some of thebushes moving a little against the wind farther down the stream. It wasproof. Besides, they had to go, knowing that day would soon be here."
He reclothed himself and stepped back into the boat, taking up thesecond pair of oars.
"Let us return to Albany in triumph by the river," he said.
"You think there is no danger of our being fired upon from ambush?"
"None at all. The slaver and spy will be anxious to get away and escapeobservation. They would be glad enough to shoot at us, but they wouldnever dare to risk it."
"And so ours has been the triumph. Once more we've been victorious overour enemies, Tayoga."
"But they will strike again, and Dagaeoga must beware."
They rowed into the middle of the river and dropped slowly down thestream. Robert had so much confidence in the Onondaga that he felt quitesafe for the present at least. It seemed to his sanguine temperamentthat as they had escaped every danger in the past so they would escapeevery one in the future. He was naturally a child of hope, in which hewas fortunate.
The gray skies broke away in the east, and the dawn was unrolled, ablaze of rose and gold. The surface of the river glittered in themorning sun. The houses of Albany stood out sharp and clear in the firstlight of the morning.
"They'll be anxious about us at Mr. Huysman's," said Robert.
"So they will," said Tayoga. "As I have said to you before, Dagaeoga, itwill be wise for us to return to the wilderness as soon as we can. Thered man's forest still seems to be safer than the white man's town."
They reached Albany, tied up the boat, and walked in the early dawn tothe house of Mynheer Jacobus Huysman, where Caterina met them at thedoor with a cry of joy. Master Jacobus appeared in a few moments, hisface showing great relief.
"Where have you lads been?" he exclaimed.
"We have been in much danger," replied Robert soberly, "but we're out ofit now, and here we are."
The others, all of whom had lain down fully dressed, came soon, andRobert told the story of the night, beginning with the spy's attemptupon the third drawer in the chest of drawers. Mr. Huysman and Mr. Hardyexchanged glances.
"That drawer does contain papers of value," said Mr. Huysman, "but I'llsee that they're put to-day in a place into which no thief can break."
"And it would perhaps be well for young Mr. Lennox also to keep himselfin a safe place," said Mr. Hervey, who had spent the night too in Mr.Huysman's house. "It seems that a most determined effort is being madeagainst him."
"Thank you, sir, for your interest in me," said Robert, "and I'll do mybest to be cautious."
He ate a hearty breakfast and then, on the insistence of Master Jacobus,lay down. Declaring that he would not sleep, he fell asleep neverthelessin ten minutes, and did not awake until the afternoon. He learned thenthat Albany was feeling better. Many of the rumors that Montcalm wasadvancing had been quieted. Scouts brought word that he was yet at LakeChamplain, and that he had not given any sign of marching upon Albany.
Robert learned also that the council in Mr. Huysman's house had been totake measures of offense as well as defense. Alan Hervey spoke for theleading men of New York and he was to tell Albany for them that theywould make a mighty effort. A campaign had been lost, but another wouldbe undertaken at once, and it would be won. They had no doubt thatBoston, Baltimore and Charleston were doing the same. The strong men ofthe Colonies intended to assure England of their staunch support, andthe English-speaking race not dreaming perhaps even then that it was tobecome such a mighty factor in the world, would fight to the bitter endfor victory.
"I go back by sloop to New York to-morrow," said Mr. Hardy to him, "andof course Jonathan Pillsbury goes with me. There are important affairsof which
I must speak to you some day, Robert, and believe me, my lad, Ido not speak of them to you now because the reasons are excellent. Iknow you've borne yourself bravely in many dangers, and I know you willbe as strong of heart in others to come. I'm sorry I have to go awaywithout seeing Willet, but you could not be in safer hands than his."
"And I know, too," said Robert earnestly, "that I could have no betterfriend than you, Mr. Hardy, nor you, Mr. Pillsbury."
He spoke with the frank sincerity that always made such an appeal toeverybody, and Mr. Hardy patted him approvingly on the shoulder.
"And don't forget me, Mr. Lennox," said Mr. Hervey. "I want you to be myguest in New York some day. We live in tremendous times, and so guardyourself well."
They left with a favoring breeze and the swift sloop that bore them wassoon out of sight. Robert, Tayoga, Mr. Huysman and Master McLean, whohad seen them off, walked slowly back up the hill to Mr. Huysman'shouse.
"I feel that they brought us new courage," said Master Jacobus. "NewYork iss a great town, a full equal to Boston, though they are veryunlike, and do not forget, Robert, that the merchants and financiershave much to say in a vast war like this which is vexing the worldto-day."
"I do not forget it, sir," said Robert. "I have seen New York and itswealth and power. They say that it has nearly twenty thousandinhabitants--and some day I hope to see London too. Lieutenant Grosvenoris coming. Can we stop and speak to him?"
"Of course, my lad, but Master Alexander and I have pressing businessand you will pardon us if we go on. If Lieutenant Grosvenor will come tomy house as my guest bring him, and tell him to stay as long as hewill."
"That I will, sir, and gladly," said Robert, as he and Tayoga turnedaside to meet the young Englishman.
The meeting had all the warmth of youth and of real liking. Grosvenorwas fully restored now and his intense interest in everything that washappening was undiminished. They strolled on together. Robert and Tayogadid not say anything for the present about their adventure of thepreceding night with the slaver and the spy, but Robert delivered theinvitation of Master Jacobus.
"If you can get leave come and stay a while with us in the house of Mr.Huysman," he said. "He bids me give you a most hospitable welcome, andwhen he says a thing he means not only what he says but a good dealmore, too. You'll have a fine bed and you may have to eat more than youcan well stand."
"It appeals to me," said Grosvenor, "and I'd come, but I'm leavingAlbany in a day or two."
"Leaving Albany! I suppose I shouldn't ask where you're going."
"I'll tell you without the asking. I'm going with some other officers toBoston, where we're to await orders. Between you and me, Lennox, I thinkwe shall take a sea voyage from Boston, maybe to Nova Scotia."
"And that, I think, indicates a new expedition from England and a newattack upon Canada and the French, but from another point. It's like theshadow of great events."
"It seems so to me, too. Come with us, Lennox. All your friends have gotinto the Royal Americans, and I think they too are going east. We couldraise enough influence to secure you a lieutenant's commission."
Robert's heart swelled, but he shook his head.
"You tempt me, Grosvenor," he said. "I'd like to go. I think you and theothers will be in the thick of great events, but I could never desertTayoga and Willet. I feel that my business, whatever it is, is here. Butwe may meet on the front again, though we'll come by different routes."
"If you can't you can't, and that's an end of it, but I'm glad, Lennox,that I've known you and Tayoga and Willet, and that we've shared perils.I'm to meet the Philadelphians and the Virginians at the George Innagain. Will you two come on?"
"Gladly," said Robert.
They found that the others had already arrived, and they were full ofjubilation. Colden, Wilton and Carson were leaving their troop withregret, but the Royal Americans raised in the Colonies were a pickedregiment ranking with the best of the British regulars. Stuart andCabell, coming from the south, which was now more remote from the sceneof war, were delighted at the thought that they would be in the heart ofthe conflict. They, too, were insistent that Robert come with them, butagain he refused. When he and Tayoga left them and walked back to thehouse of Mr. Huysman the Onondaga said:
"Dagaeoga was right to stay. His world is centered here."
"That's so. I feel it in every bone of me. Besides, I'm thinking thatwe'll yet have to deal with Garay and that slaver. I'll be glad thoughwhen Willet comes. Then we can decide upon our next step."
Robert was too active to stay quietly at the house of Mr. Huysman. Onlytheir host, Tayoga and he were present at their supper that evening,and, as the man was rather silent, the lads respected his preoccupation,believing that he was concerned with the great affairs in which he washaving a part. After supper Tayoga left for the camp on the flats to seean Onondaga runner who had arrived that day, and Mr. Huysman, stillimmersed in his thoughts, withdrew into the room containing the greatchest of drawers.
Robert spent a little while in the chamber that he and Tayoga had used,looking at the old, familiar things, and then he wandered restlesslyoutside, where he stood, glancing down at the lights of the town. Hefelt lonely for the moment. Everybody else was doing something, and heliked to be with people. Perhaps some of his friends had come to theGeorge Inn. A light was burning there and he would go and see.
There was a numerous company at the inn, but it included nobody thatRobert knew, and contenting himself with a look from the doorway, heturned back. Then the masts and spars in the river, standing up a blacktracery against the clear, moonlit sky, interested him, and he walkedcasually to the bank. Some activity was still visible on the vessels,but tiring of them soon he turned away.
It was dark on the shore, but Robert started violently. If fancy werenot playing tricks with him he saw the shadow of Garay once more. Thefigure had appeared about twenty yards ahead of him and then it wasgone. Robert was filled with fierce anger that the man should show suchbrazen effrontery, and impulsively he pursued. Profiting by hisexperience with the spy, he now had a pistol in his pocket, andclutching the butt of it he hurried after the elusive shadow.
He caught a second glimpse. It was surely Garay, and he was runningalong the shore, up the stream.
Robert's anger rose by leaps. The spy's presumption was beyond allendurance, but he would make him pay for it this time. He drew hispistol that he might be ready should Garay turn and attack, though hedid not believe that he would do so, and sped after him. But always theshadow flitted on before, and the distance between them did not seem todiminish.
They soon left all houses behind, although Robert, in his excitement,did not notice it, and then he saw that at last he was gaining.
"Stop, Garay! Stop, or I shoot!" he cried.
The spy halted, and Robert, covering him with his pistol, was about toapproach when he heard a step behind him. He whirled, but it was toolate. A stunning weight crashed down upon his head, and he fell intooblivion.
The Sun of Quebec: A Story of a Great Crisis Page 5
