“I understand you, Sir.  It is scarce necessary to say, however, that the wife of George of Denmark has little authority here.  Forbear, I pray you,” he added quickly, observing that Ludlow was about to answer.  “These interviews with the servants of that lady are riot unfrequent; and as I know other matters have sent you hither, we will imagine all said that a vigilant officer and a most loyal subject could utter, to an outlaw and a trifler with the regulations of the customs.  That controversy must be settled between us under our canvas, and by virtue of our speed, or other professional qualities, at proper time and in a proper place.  We will now touch on different matters.”

“I think the gentleman is right, Patroon.  When matters are ripe for the Exchequer, there is no use in worrying the lungs with summing up the testimony like a fee’d advocate.  Twelve discreet men, who have bowels of compassion for the vicissitudes of trade, and who know how hard it is to earn, and how easy it is to spend, will deal with the subject better than all the idle talkers in the Provinces.”

“When confronted to the twelve disinterested Daniels, I shall be fain to submit to their judgment,” rejoined the other, still suffering the wilful smile to linger round his lips.  “You, Sir, I think, are called Mr. Myndert Van Beverout.—­To what fall in peltry, or what rise in markets, do I owe the honor of this visit?”

“It is said that some from this vessel were so bold as to land on my grounds, during the past night, without the knowledge and consent of their owner—­you will observe the purport of our discourse, Mr. Van Staats, for it may yet come before the authorities—­as I said, Sir, without their owner’s knowledge, and that there were dealings in articles that are contraband of law, unless they enter the provinces purified and embellished by the air of the Queen’s European dominions—­God bless Her Majesty!”

“Amen.—­That which quitteth the Water-Witch commonly comes purified by the air of many different regions.  We are no laggards in movement, here; and the winds of Europe scarcely cease to blow upon our sails, before we scent the gales of America.  But this is rather Exchequer matter, to be discussed before the twelve merciful burghers than entertainment for such a visit.”

“I open with the facts, that there may be no errors.  But in addition to so foul an imputation on the credit of a merchant, there has a great calamity befallen me and my household, during the past night.  The daughter and heiress of old Etienne de Barberie has left her abode, and we have reason to think that she has been deluded so far as to come hither.  Faith and correspondence!  Master Seadrift; but I think this is exceeding the compass of even a trader in contraband!  I can make allowances for some errors in an account; but women can be exported and imported without duty, and when and where one pleases, and therefore the less necessity for running them out of their old uncle’s habitation, in so secret a manner.”