It pleased Robert to see the great variety of the throng.  It made a deep impression upon his imaginative mind.  Already he foresaw the greatness of America, when these races were blended in a land of infinite resources.  But such thoughts were driven from his mind by a big figure that loomed before him and a hearty voice that saluted him.

“Day dreaming, Master Lennox?” said the voice.  “One does not have much time for dreams now, when the world is so full of action.”

It was none other than Master Benjamin Hardy, portly, rubicund, richly but quietly dressed in dark broadcloth, dark silk stockings and shoes of Spanish leather with large silver buckles.  Robert was unaffectedly glad to see him, and they shook hands with warmth.

“I did not know that you were in Albany,” said young Lennox.

“But I knew that you were here,” said Master Hardy.

“I haven’t your great resources for collecting knowledge.”

“A story reached me in New York concerning the gallant conduct of one Robert Lennox on the retreat from Fort Refuge, and I wished to come here myself and see if it be true.”

“I did no better than a hundred others.  How is the wise Master Jonathan Pillsbury?”

“As wise as ever.  He earnestly urged me, when I departed for this town, not to be deceived by the glamour of the military.  ’Bear in mind, Master Benjamin,’ he said, ’that you and I have been associates many years, and your true path is that of commerce and gain.  The march and the battlefield are not for you any more than they are for me.’  Wise words and true, and it was not for me to gainsay them.  So I gave him my promise that I would not march with this brave expedition to the lakes.”

The merchant’s words were whimsical, but Robert felt that he was examining him with critical looks, and he felt, too, that a protecting influence was once more about him.  He could not doubt that Master Hardy was his sincere friend, deeply interested in him.  He had given too many proofs of it, and a sudden curiosity about his birth, forgotten amid the excitement of continued action, rose anew.  He was about to ask questions, but he remembered that they would not be answered, and so he held his peace, while the merchant walked on with him toward the house of Mynheer Jacobus Huysman.

“You are bent upon going with the army?” said Mr. Hardy.  “Haven’t you had enough of battle?  There was a time, after the news of Braddock’s defeat came, when I feared that you had fallen, but a message sent by the young Englishman, Grosvenor, told me you were safe, and I was very thankful.  It is natural for the young to seek what they call adventure, and to serve their country, but you have done much already, Robert.  You might go with me now to New York, and still feel that you are no shirker.”

“You are most kind, Mr. Hardy.  I believe that next to Willet and Tayoga you are the greatest and best of my friends.  Why, I know not, nor do I ask now, but the fact is patent, and I thank you many times over, although I can’t accept your offer.  I’m committed to this expedition and there my heart lies, too.  Willet and Tayoga go with it.  So do Black Rifle and Rogers, I think, and Colonel Johnson, who is also my good friend, is to lead it.  I couldn’t stay behind and consider myself a true man.”