Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-08-06
CHAPTER II.
II I q

that some evil was hanging over him. de
had deep dread Of that dark man-not such
a dread as one who has dangerous screts at
stake may fear, but the dread which fastens
upon the mind of a defenceess man III the
presence Of cruel enemv. On the cay iol-
LOWING the events recorded in the preceding
chapter, the old mercl'nt resolved to wat
for himself, and zee if he could detect the enc
my. Accordingly, after he had eaten his
breakfast, he took his station IN one OF the
lower rooms Of the inn, and there he watched
all the forenoon bat he saw nothing OF his
evil genius. In the afternoon he walked over
to he fort, where he remained couple Of
hours AID as he was coming out he saw a
man passing along the street towards the tav-
ern. From the garb, and general appearance
Of the stranger, he thoughtlt must be Geld
orp 50 he crossed over, and having dra @n
the nm of his hat well down over h face, and
pulled up his vandyke, he followed on. The
man slackened his steps as he approached the
inn, and Van der Neer saw that he was
watching the upper windows of the building.
Tbs old man saw the southern gate open and
having hurried over and entered that way, he
gained position behind some shrubbery by
the fence, where he could not only watch the
movements of the suspected man, but where
he could have good view Of his face. 1t was
close by the corner Of the inn.
Geldorp, for he it was, had now stopped be-
hind a large buttonwood tree, where he no
doubt fancied he should be free from observa-
ton, and there he stood and watched the win
dows. Van der Yeer had no more doubs
concerning the identity Of the man, for he re-
cognized in those dark features the face of the
enemy he had feared. For half an hour Geld
orp remained at his post, and during that time
haG n -aI To cfeodIlV tho
inn. At length the front door was opened,
and William Van der Veer came out The
youth gazed around few moments, and then
started up the street toward the Companys
farm. The moment William made his ap-
pearance, Geldorp was on the alert, and ere
the former had moved many rods. the dark
man started to follow him. The old merchant
would have called upon his son to come back,
but he wished not to attract the attention Of
the other, so he clambered over thefence, and
followed along after them, determined ON no
account to lose sight of the youth while Geld
orp was near.
Willen had come out simply for walk,
and as he sauntered along, musing upon the
peculiar circumstances by viii he WAS sur
rounded, he heard a heavy foot tall behind
him, and on turning he beheld the very man
whom he had noticed the day before, gazing
up at the windows of his fathers room. He
did not like the looks of the dark, coarse iea-
lures, and he would have hurried on to get
out of the way, but just as he had started TO
quicken his pace the man addressed him.
After indulging in a few commonplace
though impertinent remarks, to which the
gentle youth vouchssfed very brief replies, the
intruder stated that he had lived in Amster-
dam and knew his (Willein's) father.
Night I ask your name :" ventured the
youth. -
90 certainly" said Geldorf, with slight
show Of hesitation. "ATy name is Bronx
Cornelius Bronx"
Willem was not sol blind but that he saw
the room for doubt which the manner opened
to him, and the frst impression he received,
was, that that was not the individuals real
fes, yes, resumed the stranger, assum-
ing familiar air, al remember yonr father
very we'll Are you his only child r.
Eyes, SIR
William could see no harm in answering
those simple questions, so he did not hesitate.
A short silence followed, and then Geldorp
resumed
"Let's see-if I remember rightly, your
mothers name is Theodora.'
''1t is" answered William.
"Well-I must make it in my way to call
time. | suppose they will remain at the tav-
ern for some time yet"
William said he thought it very likely, and
then, as they had reached point where a
narrow alley turned off towards Mill street,
Geldorp remarked that his way lay in that d.
rectioD, and having bowed very politely, he
turned off. The youth gazed after him awhile,
and would then have kept on, but he heard
his name pronounced by familiar voice, and
on turning he saw his father. lie Joined the
old gentleman at once, and related all that
had passed between himself and the man who
had just left him.
al don't like his looks at ALL" he said, at
the close of his account. " He is the same
man that stood so long in front of our win
dows yesterday, and l am sure he did not
give me his right name"
81 He did moi, my son." returned Van der
Veer, after they had turned their steps home
ward. His real name is Caspar Geldorp,
and I'm sure he means US some evil. Y GU
must beware of him, and keep your eyes
opeu."
"But why do you think SO I" the youth
asked, with some surprise. " What is he 10
you or you to him, that he should do thue !"
Why" replied the old man, with some
hesitation, many years ago had some deal
ings with him, and in consequence of his
dishonesty it became necessary for me TO ex-
pose him. He tried hard 10 injure me then,
and l am sure he would readily do it again."
Willem knew from his father mar ner that
there was more than this, but he also knew
that nothing would be kept from him VIII
it was for his interest TO know, SO he asked
no more questions.
When they reached the tavern the father
and son went to their room where Madame
Van der Veer sat, and there the three talked
the matter over. Willem was sorely tempted
70 ask some explanation Of certain things
which be saw. He would have known why
his mother was 50 deeply moved at the re |
cItal OF GeldoTp's interview with himself |
and why she trembled so at the bare mention /
OF his name; but he contented himself with |
hearing what was said, and thus he learned |
that there might be oceesion 10 fear the dark |
freebooter.
Mr.. Van der Yeer had been thinking of |
hiring a servant, and he resolved now that
he would do 80 at once. He concluded to
engage the services of some shrewd
fellow, in whom he could conhde. and gho
could help him, physically, in the hour Of
need.
- 1 will 60 at once" he said to his wife
and son, " and secure the man il such an
enc can be found. i shall let no one outside
know that he is my servant. II can come
across the one l should like, he may be Of
great assistance to us. will go now, and in
the meantimo you remain here"
Van der Veer left the tavern and made his
way to the Tort, within which were the GOV.
eminent offices. He was acquainted with
the colonial secretary, Cornes Van Ten
hoven, and 10 him he went. Van der Veer
stated his business, and at first Tienloyen
nhnnE IA h. -. l.