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26 THE king's yard
of countryman of mine, I wanted to be civil to you.
Don't worry over this affair."
" I don't worry over it, sir, but it is an infamous
thing to believe that I
" I don't believe it."
am a deserter."
"Then what do you mean by calling me one?
You saw my passport."
" That's just it," said the other, with a laugh.
" I
had a description
of your vessel and of your person,
and I knew of the passport, but I wanted to see it.
I knew if I accused you of being a deserter that you
would lug
it out at once."
"
Then why have you taken me ? "
"
Ah !
that's beyond me but I was to make sure
;
— of you by the passport and I have."
" Where are you taking me ? "
"To Portchester; but you'll know all about it
presently. Meanwhile, what do you
think of the
harbour ? Look at the ships fitting out to bring the
colonists to their senses."
The American laughed. "Do you think that
interests
me?"
" I know that interests you. Perhaps it may occur
to you that your arrest, and the fleet, and the Dockyard,
and the doings in France are not altogether
unconnected, eh ? "
"As you said just now, sir, that is a matter for