Robert, upon whom impressions were so swift and vivid, reckoned that here was one capable of great and fierce actions, and also with a heart that contained a large measure of kindness and generosity.
"Dave," said the tall man, who carried with him the atmosphere of the sea, "I feared that you might be dead in those forests you love so well, killed and perhaps scalped by the Hurons or some other savage tribe.

You've abundant hair, Dave, and you'd furnish an uncommonly fine scalp." "And I feared, Benjamin, that you'd been caught in some smuggling cruise near the Spanish Main, and had been put out of the way by the Dons.

You love gain too much, Ben, old friend, and you court risks too great for its sake." Master Benjamin Hardy threw back his head and laughed deeply and heartily.

The laugh seemed to Robert to roll up spontaneously from his throat.

He felt anew that here was a man whom he liked.
"Perchance 'tis the danger that draws me on," said Master Hardy.