human
Good news, I wot, cried old Penfold.
gpt
My eyes lie not, the Puritan answered.
human
Comrades, the Dutch have shown their hand. If we strike at once we shall assuredly kill their plan, and may perchance seize their leader.
gpt
They go to hold council with the sachems, said Penfold, adding thoughtfully,
human
There will be no light until the dawn.
gpt
Let us lie in wait for them beside their boat,
human
Nay, let us fall upon them in the forest,
gpt
Not so, answered the leader.
human
A man cannot use his sword for the bush and the splintered growth from the pines.
gpt
An Iroquois guide will accompany them,
human
The boat! the boat! shouted young Viner.
gpt
That is the place.
human
Peace, lads, cried Penfold, stroking his beard.
gpt
Let us discuss with reason. Why has this Dutch vessel made her way up the river? Roussilac would tell us that she has come to strengthen the hands of the French. Is it so? I trow not. It has ever been the policy of the Dutch to dissemble. Holland intends to keep the English from this coast if she may. Surely she desires also to drive out the French, in order that she may make herself mistress of the North American land. She is eager to make colonies, and she knows full well that the fortress may easily be defended once it be captured.
human
She is, then, a privateer,
gpt
Not so. She is commissioned by the Government of the Netherlands to seize North America. The French are only a handful here. England has no fleet. Now is the crafty Dutchman's opportunity. Look upon this, my lads.