story. Here has been one among us, who may do mischief, if he will; though
I know not how far he is master of the main secret."

Alderman Van Beverout stared a little wildly about him, adjusted his wig,
like one fully conscious of the value of appearances in this world, and
then cautiously drew the curtains before the windows.

"I know of none more than common, my niece excepted;" he said, when all
these precautions had been observed. "'Tis true the Patroon of Kinderhook
is in the house, but as the man sleeps, he is a witness in our favor. We
have the testimony of his presence, while his tongue is silent."

"Well, be it so;" rejoined the free-trader, reading, in the imploring eyes
of Alida, a petition that he would say no more. "I knew by instinct there
was one unusual, and it was not for me to discover that he sleeps. There
are dealers on the coast, who, for the sake of insurance, would charge his
presence in their bills."

"Say no more, worthy Master Seadrift, and take the gold. To confess the
truth, the goods are in the periagua and fairly out of the river. I knew
we should come to conclusions in the matter, and time is precious, as
there is a cruiser of the Queen so nigh. The rogues will pass the pennant,
like innocent market-people, and I'll risk a Flemish gelding against a
Virginia nag, that they inquire if the captain has no need of vegetables
for his soup! Ah! ha-ha-ha! That Ludlow is a simpleton, niece of mine,
and he is not yet fit to deal with men of mature years. You'll think
better of his qualities, one day, and bid him be gone like an unwelcome
dun."

"I hope these proceedings may be legally sanctioned, uncle?"

"Sanctioned! Luck sanctions all. It is in trade as in war: success gives
character and booty, in both. Your rich dealer is sure to be your honest
dealer. Plantations and Orders in Council! What are our rulers doing at
home, that they need be so vociferous about a little contraband? The
rogues will declaim, by the hour, concerning bribery and corruption, while
more than half of them get their seats as clandestinely--ay, and as
illegally, as you get these rare Mechlin laces. Should the Queen take
offence at our dealings, Master Seadrift, bring me another season, or two,
as profitable as the last, and I'll be your passenger to London, go on
'change, buy a seat in Parliament, and answer to the royal displeasure
from my place, as they call it. By the responsibility of the States
General! but I shou