Everett T. Tomlinson

“ The keeper of this tavern was Jacob Gunning, a man unknown to Robert, but one in whom the general had implicit confidence, for he had assured the young express that Jacob was a stanch friend of the colonies and that his house was a place where the patriots of the region frequently assembled. However, Jacob Gunning's patriotism was known only to a few, and the general had explained that Robert was to be guarded in what he might say to him in the presence of others, for the man could aid the continentals, at least for the present, more if his true position was not generally known. ”

“ Nobody hereabouts ever calls me Jacob."
"Then you 're the man I'm after," laughed Robert. "Read that, will you?" he added, holding forth the letter which he had taken from the pocket of the helpless man in the bushes near Hannah Nott's home.
"Read it to me yourself," said Jacob. His voice was deep and guttural, but there was nothing in it to imply any interest in the letter or the stranger. ”

“ Had he been free to follow his own inclinations he would instantly have begun a search for some one who might have aided him in obtaining the information he desired; but his orders were explicit, and he knew also how important it was that he should make the best possible time in returning with the two letters which General Clinton had intrusted to his keeping. ”