A  second  magnet  was  Katryne  Schuyler.  We  like  to
hear  our  beloved  talked  about,  and  Harold's  chance  use
of  her  name  as  a  patriotic  maiden  of  New  Amsterdam
(did  she  not  urge  him  to  go  to  the  war  ?)  brought  out
Uncle  Pieter's  opinion,  even  as  a  magnet  will  draw
filings  of  steel  out  of  a  dust-heap.
Then  thou  dost  esteem  her  highly,  sir  ?' '  asked  Harold.
"  Esteem  her  highly  ?  I  love  that  girl.  I  tell  thee,
lad,  I  know  of  no  person  that  I  love  so  dearly.  She
has  been  the  making  of  me."


UP   THE   NORTH    RIVER.  269

On  the  other  hand,  Uncle  Pieter  saw  that  Harold
thought  highly  of  Katryne.
"  I  think,  lad,  that  Katryne  Schuyler  has  a  good
friend  in  thee,"  declared  Uncle  Pieter.
"  Oh,  she— she— she  is  patriotic.  Yes,  I  like  the
maid."

Common  worship  at  a  beloved  shrine  brought  these
worshippers  together,  and  their  difference  in  years  for-
bade a  separation  into  rivalry.  From  the  moment  of
Harold's  confession  to  Uncle  Pieter  he  took  Harold  under
his  soldier's  doublet.  Did  Uncle  Pieter  secure  any  dainty
bit  of  food  ?  Harold  must  share  it,  though  it  might  be
only  a  roasted  ear  of  corn.  Did  Uncle  Pieter  know
anything  exciting  ?  He  must  halve  his  knowledge  with
Harold.  Was  there  anything  special  that  Uncle  Pieter
was  anticipating?  Harold  must  anticipate  it.  If  Uncle
Pieter  had  any  advantage  by  way  of  equipments,  he
must  divide  that  advantage  with  Harold.  Then  Uncle
Pieter  assumed  a  fatherly  right  to  tell  Harold  about  a
soldier's  life,  how  to  endure  its  hardships,  how  to  avoid
its  mistakes,  how  to  become  familiar  with  its  daily  routine
of  duties  ;  and  all  the  time  Katryne  was  the  special
bond  to  tie  the  two  together.
