There must be a
reduction of prices, or the invoice cannot pass."
"The greater the pity. But if sail we must, sail we will! The brigantine
knows the channel over the Nantucket sands; and, my life on it! the
Yankees will find others than the Mohawks for chapmen."
"Thou art as quick in thy motions, Master Seadrift, as the boat itself.
Who said that a compromise might not be made, when discussion was
prudently and fairly exhausted? Strike off the odd florins, leave the
balance in round thousands, and thy trade is done for the season!"
"Not a stiver. Here, count me back the faces of the Braganza; throw enough
of thin ducats into the scales to make up the sum, and let thy slaves push
inland with the articles, before the morning light comes to tell the
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.
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