I tell him that likely you are the
man he needs."
This was so unexpected that Rolf turned red and gazed on the
ground. Van Cortlandt at once began to clear things by
interjecting: "You see, I'm not strong. I want to live outdoors
for three months, where I can have some hunting and be beyond
reach of business. I'll pay you a hundred dollars for the three
months, to cover board and guidance. And providing I'm well
pleased and have good hunting, I'll give you fifty dollars more
when I get back to Albany."
"I'd like much to be your guide," said Rolf, "but I have a
partner. I must find out if he's willing."
"Ye don't mean-that drunken Bill Bymus?"
"No! my hunting partner; he's an Indian." Then, after a pause, he
added, " You wouldn't go in fly-time, would you?"
"No, I want to be in peace. But any time after the first of August."
"I am bound to help Van Trumper with his harvest; that will take
most of August."
As he talked, the young lawyer sized him up and said to himself,
"This is my man."
And before they parted it was agreed that Rolf should come to
Albany with Quonab as soon as he could return in August, to form
the camping party for the governor's son.
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