The day had increased in gloominess.

Heavy clouds were coming up from the sea, enveloping the solid town in a thick and somber atmosphere.

Snow began to fall and a sharp wind drove the flakes before it.

Pedestrians bent forward, and drew their cloaks or coats about their faces to protect themselves from the storm.
"The weather favors us," said St.Luc.

"The people of New York defending themselves from the wind and the flakes will have no time to be looking for an enemy among them." "Where are we going, chevalier ?" "That I know not, but being young, healthy and strong, perhaps we walk in a circle for the sake of exercise." "For which also you have come to New York--in order that you may walk about our Battery and Bowling Green." "True! Quite true! You have a most penetrating mind, Mr.Lennox, and since we speak of the objects of my errand here I recall a third, but of course, a minor motive." "I am interested in that third and minor motive, Chevalier de St.Luc." "I noticed last night at the play that you were speaking to a merchant, one Adrian Van Zoon." "'Tis true, but how do you know Van Zoon ?" "Let it suffice, lad, that I know him and know him well.