Then Benjamin, David and Jonathan drank to the health of Eliphalet, while the two lads, the white and the red, devoted their attention to the others in the coffee house, of whom there were at least a dozen.
One who sat at a table very near was already examining Tayoga with the greatest curiosity.

He wore the uniform of an English second lieutenant, very trim, and very red, he had an exceeding ruddiness of countenance, he was tall and well built, and he was only a year or two older than Robert.

His curiosity obviously had been aroused by the appearance of Tayoga in the full costume of an Iroquois.

It was equally evident to Robert that he was an Englishman, a member of the royal forces then in New York.

Americans still called themselves Englishmen and Robert instantly had a feeling of kinship for the young officer who had a frank and good face.
The English youth's hat was lying upon the table beside him, and a gust of wind blowing it upon the floor, rolled it toward Robert, who picked it up and tendered it to its owner.
"Thanks," said the officer.