Now which, think you, will prevail, the soldiers or the merchants ?" "I think that in the end the merchants will win," replied Robert.
"And so do I.Now we have come to the home of Master Hardy.

See you the big brick house with high stone steps?
Well, that is his, and I repeat that he is a good friend of mine, a good friend of old and of today.

I heard that in Albany, which tells me we will find him here in his own place." But the big brick house looked to Robert and Tayoga like a fortress, with its massive door and iron-barred windows, although friendly smoke rose from a high chimney and made a warm line against the frosty blue air.
Willet walked briskly up the high stone steps and thundered on the door with a heavy brass knocker.

The summons was quickly answered and the door swung back, revealing a tall, thin, elderly man, neatly dressed in the fashion of the time.

He had the manner of one who served, although he did not seem to be a servant.