He pointed to the Royal Exchange, a building used by the merchants at the foot of Broad Street, a structure very unique in its plan.  It consisted of an upper story resting upon arches, the lower part, therefore, being entirely open.  Beneath these arches the merchants met and transacted business, and also in a room on the upper floor, where there were, too, a coffee house and a great room used for banquets, and the meetings of societies, the Royal Exchange being in truth the beginning of many exchanges that now mark the financial center of the New World.

“Perhaps we’ll see the merchants there tomorrow,” said Willet.  “You’ll note the difference between New York and Quebec.  The French capital was all military.  You saw soldiers everywhere, but this is a town of merchants.  Now which, think you, will prevail, the soldiers or the merchants?”

“I think that in the end the merchants will win,” replied Robert.

“And so do I. Now we have come to the home of Master Hardy.  See you the big brick house with high stone steps?  Well, that is his, and I repeat that he is a good friend of mine, a good friend of old and of today.  I heard that in Albany, which tells me we will find him here in his own place.”

But the big brick house looked to Robert and Tayoga like a fortress, with its massive door and iron-barred windows, although friendly smoke rose from a high chimney and made a warm line against the frosty blue air.

Willet walked briskly up the high stone steps and thundered on the door with a heavy brass knocker.  The summons was quickly answered and the door swung back, revealing a tall, thin, elderly man, neatly dressed in the fashion of the time.  He had the manner of one who served, although he did not seem to be a servant.  Robert judged at once that he was an upper clerk who lived in the house, after the custom of the day.

“Is Master Benjamin within, Jonathan?” asked Willet.

The tall man blinked and then stared at the hunter in astonishment.

“Is it in very truth you, Master Willet?” he exclaimed.

“None other.  Come, Jonathan, you know my voice and my face and my figure very well.  You could not fail to recognize me anywhere.  So cease your doubting.  My young friends here are Robert Lennox, of whom you know, and Tayoga, a coming chief of the Clan of the Bear, of the nation Onondaga, of the great League of the Hodenosaunee, known to you as the Six Nations.  He’s impatient of disposition and unless you answer my question speedily I’ll have him tomahawk you.  Come now, is Master Benjamin within?”

“He is, Mr. Willet.  I had no intent to delay my answer, but you must allow something to surprise.”

“I grant you pardon,” said the hunter whimsically.  “Robert and Tayoga, this is Master Jonathan Pillsbury, chief clerk and man of affairs for Master Benjamin Hardy.  They are two old bachelors who live in the same house, and who get along well together, because they’re so unlike.  As for Master Jonathan, his heart is not as sour as his face, and you could come to a worse place than the shop of Benjamin and Jonathan.  Master Jonathan, you will take particular notice of Mr. Lennox.  He is well grown and he appears intelligent, does he not?”