They saw several of the privateers in port, armed powerfully, and as they were usually built for speed, Robert admired their graceful lines.  He felt anew the difference between military Quebec and commercial New York.  Quebec was prepared to send forth forces for destruction, but, here, life-giving commerce flowed in and flowed out again through arteries continually increasing in number and power.  Once again came to him the thought that the merchant more than the soldier was the builder of a great nation.  The impression made upon him was all the more vivid because New York, even in the middle of the eighteenth century, when it was in its infancy, surprised even travelers from Europe with its manifold activities and intense energy.

After a day, long but of extraordinary interest, they returned to the house of Mr. Hardy, where Grosvenor joined them in half an hour, and then, after another abundant supper, they all went to the play.

CHAPTER XI

THE PLAY

They were all arrayed in their very best clothes, even Master Jonathan having powdered his hair, and tied it in an uncommonly neat queue, while his buckled shoes, stockings and small clothes, though of somewhat ancient fashion, were of fine quality.  Mr. Hardy gazed at him admiringly.

“Jonathan,” he said, “you are usually somewhat sour of visage, but upon occasion you can ruffle it with the best macaroni of them all.”

Master Jonathan pursed his lips, and smiled with satisfaction.  All of them, in truth, presented a most gallant appearance, but by far the most noticeable figure was that of Tayoga.  Indians often appeared in New York, but such Indians as the young Onondaga were rare anywhere.  He rose half a head above the ordinary man, and he wore the costume of a chief of the mighty League of the Hondenosaunee, the feathers in his lofty headdress blowing back defiantly with the wind.  He attracted universal, and at the same time respectful, attention.

They were preceded by a stout link boy who bore aloft a blazing torch, and as they walked toward the building in Nassau Street, owned by Rip Van Dam, in which the play was to be given, they overtook others who were upon the same errand.  A carriage drawn by two large white horses conveyed Governor de Lancey and his wife, and another very much like it bore his brother-in-law, the conspicuous John Watts, and Mrs. Watts.  All of them saw Mr. Hardy and his party and bowed to them with great politeness.  Robert already understood enough of the world to know that it denoted much importance on the part of the merchant.

“A man of influence in our community,” said Master Benjamin, speaking of Mr. Watts.  “An uncommonly clear mind and much firmness and decision.  He will leave a great name in New York.”

As he spoke they overtook a tall youth about twenty-three years old, walking alone, and dressed in the very latest fashion out of England.  Mr. Hardy hailed him with great satisfaction and asked him to join them.