Read Ebook: Willie the Waif by Herbert Minie

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Ebook has 371 lines and 15896 words, and 8 pages

The plethoric gentleman seemed to agree with this statement unqualifiedly. But the tall man shook his head.

"Congress," said he, "is a much harassed body. It has a great deal to do, and no great amount of experience to guide it. But for the greater part it does very well indeed. There are gentlemen belonging to it," with a lowered tone, and a series of knowing nods, "who would readily replace a certain person if they could."

The plethoric one contented himself with puffing his cheeks and assuming a look of much sagacity. It was the perky man who spoke.

"I have heard," said he, his head at one side, like that of an inquisitive bird, "that Washington is not greatly in favor with some of the members of Congress. Of course," and the inquisitive cock of the head grew more pronounced, "it is he you mean."

But the tall man closed his lips tightly, and shook his head after the manner of one who disliked committing himself. It was the stout man who spoke.

"The naming of names," said he, with heavy wisdom, "is sometimes to be avoided; and this is one of the times. Gentlemen can carry on an intelligent conversation without placing themselves on record in matters of delicacy; and in this way important matters can be kept from becoming things of common gossip."

Properly rebuked, the perky man gave his attention once more to the captive mercenaries, while the speaker continued, addressing the tall man, in a guarded tone:

"It is a matter of wonderment with me how people can have so little consideration as to discuss private matters of state in the hearing of every Tom, Dick and Harry. It is an almost criminal propensity, believe me, sir; and I always discountenance it when I have the opportunity."

The other nodded, with gravity.

"It is a common failing," said he, "and I have little doubt but what it has occasioned more trouble in the public's affairs than any of us have any knowledge of. And I am glad indeed to meet with a gentleman who is so careful of the general weal; it is a rare occasion, sir; more's the pity."

The large man took out a silver snuff-box, his great face growing more mottled than originally; offering the box to the other, he said in a tone of much gratification:

"Sir, I should be exceedingly pleased with your acquaintance."

The tall man took a pinch of the proffered snuff; and as he dusted the remaining grains from his finger-tips, he made reply:

"Sir, you are very good. My name is Hawkins--Tobias Hawkins--and I am lately arrived from Savannah, in Georgia, where I have some shipping enterprises."

"I thank you," said the plethoric man, with ponderous politeness. He took a companionable pinch, restored the box to one of the huge pockets of his waistcoat, and went on: "I am Samuel Livingstone, merchant and trader in West India goods. And it gives me much pleasure, Master Hawkins, to know you."

The two had fallen into a most earnest conversation upon the condition of trade and public affairs when a drum began to tap, and the long lines of American troops and bedraggled Germans fell into column; then at the word of command they went marching away southward.

As the crowd dispersed, Ben Cooper did not immediately turn his horse's head up High Street, as the Porcupine evidently expected him to do; instead, he sat motionless in his saddle watching the retreating forms of Messrs. Samuel Livingstone and Tobias Hawkins. When he did finally give his rein a shake as a signal to his mount, the curious, speculative expression upon his face did not lessen. And as he turned into Second Street once more, he said:

"Do you know, that was a rather queer thing."

The Porcupine had noticed his manner, but had made no comment; now, however, he asked:

"What do you mean?"

"Why, the conduct of Mr. Tobias Hawkins, as he called himself. Did you notice him?"

The dwarf nodded.

"And rather a wide-awake sort, I thought him," said he. "But I did not see anything queer in him. Very even, and much like a gentleman."

But Ben shook his head.

The Porcupine opened his eyes wide.

"What?" demanded he. "And was it not so?"

"I think not," replied Ben. "Rather, I am inclined to believe that it was a cunningly devised plan. I scarcely know what makes me think so, but Hawkins purposed making acquaintance of Mr. Livingstone before he spoke to him; and so expertly did he contrive matters that he's made it appear that it was Mr. Livingstone who sought him."

"Why, it may be so," said the dwarf. "These traders have very curious ways, I've heard. But, in any event, it makes no difference. We are not at all interested in their doings."

"I don't know," said young Cooper, gravely. "If the matter which Mr. Hawkins has in mind is commercial, of course we are not; but," and he turned his head as though to get a fresh sight of the gentlemen in question, "if it is something else, perhaps it may turn out that we are."

IN WHICH MR. HAWKINS UTTERS A THREAT

The Porcupine was still turning over the odd remarks of his companion, when they pulled up at that famous hostelry of Revolutionary days, "The City Tavern." In the inn yard, Ben, looking down from his saddle, inquired of a hostler who had come to take their mounts:

"Can you tell me where Mr. Robert Morris lives?"

"Do you mean the merchant, Morris?" asked the man.

"Yes."

"You will find his house on Chestnut Street, near to Seventh," directed the man.

They dismounted, and saw to it that their horses would be cleaned, fed and bedded; after this they went into the tavern and bespoke lodgings for themselves.

"And will you have supper also, gentlemen?" smiled the landlord. "Piping hot it will be, the very sort for a damp, chilly evening like this. Taken in a snug, warm room, I can conceive of nothing more inviting."

Ben laughed. He and the landlord were old acquaintances, and the lad knew his ways.

"Why," spoke Ben, "if your supper and your rooms were only half as enticing as your manner of speaking of them, they would be the most desired things in all Philadelphia. However, we will put both of them to the test in a very little while. I have a message to deliver, and then we shall try whether or no you can prove what you say."

In a very short time Ben, having left the Porcupine behind, arrived at the house of Robert Morris and sounded the heavy brass knocker. A thin-shouldered woman in a white cap came to the door and replied to his questions.

"No," she said, "Mr. Morris is not at home. Indeed, he will not be home until late, by all accounts, for I've heard it said that he'll sup to-night at one of the taverns with some friends."

"My business is important," said Ben. "Can you tell me at which of the taverns he will be?"

But the woman shook her head.

"No," she said. "I am sorry, young gentleman, but I cannot."

Ben considered for a moment.

"Will you oblige me with a pen full of ink and a slip of paper?" he asked.

Thereupon the woman invited him to walk in; in the wide hall he was provided with the desired articles, and so wrote a few lines explaining who he was and the nature of his errand. The note he gave to the woman.

"I shall return between this and midnight," he said. "Mr. Morris will, no doubt, have returned by then."

"Oh, yes, sir," replied the woman, earnestly. "He will be sure to be home by then. And I will give him your message as soon as he comes."

The evening was a brisk one; the moon was coming up clearly, the air was tingling with cold, and the lad's spurs jangled upon the flags as he stepped buoyantly along.

"This is the sort of weather that makes one feel like undertaking some enterprise," he told himself, his spirits rising with every step he took. "If it is the same in the neighborhood of Trenton, I should not be surprised to shortly hear that the general has set out again upon another venture against the British."

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