orders, and it was here that the
Major interviewed visitors from Portland Point, and couriers from all
sections of the country. This commanding officer was the same to all
men, so the humblest workman in the trading company's employ, or the
uncouth native from the heart of the wilderness received just as much
attention as men of high rank. Stern and unbending in the line of
duty, Major Studholme realised the importance of his position, and that
as a superior officer in the service of his King he must render
even-handed justice, irrespective of color or rank. A sharp
rat-tat-tat upon the door startled him.

"Come in," he called.

At once the door swung open, and a stalwart, sturdy man entered,
carrying a stout stick in his hand which he used as a cane.

"Ah, good morning, Mr. Simonds," the Major accosted, his face
brightening with pleasure and relief as he held out his hand. "I
didn't expect you so early."

"Umph! this is not early," the visitor replied. "It seems late to me.
Why, I've been up all night. Not a wink of sleep have I had. But,
say, I've something here that'll refresh us both."

Drawing a flask from an inner pocket, he stepped forward and placed it
upon the table.

"Have a noggin, Major. The _Polly_ arrived last night, straight from
the West Indies, and Leavitt brought me some special Old Jamaica. I
thought maybe you'd like to test it."

In a twinkling two mugs were produced, and filled to the brim.

"To the King, God bless him," Simonds toasted.

"To the King," the Major responded, as he raised his mug and clinked it
against the visitor's.

When this toast had been drunk, the Major again filled the mugs.

"Now, another," he cried. "To the Loyalists, especially to Colonel
Sterling's daughter, the fairest of them all."

"To the Loyalists and the Colonel's daughter," Simonds repeated.

Again the mugs clinked, and two honest men drank their second toast.
This done, they took their seats at the table, and settled down to
business of a most important nature.

James Simonds was really the business pioneer of Portland Point. He
was a man of outstanding ability and remarkable energy. For years he
had been the moving spirit and leader in numerous enterprises. Of him
and his partner, James White, it was said that "At one time the fishery
claimed their attention, at another the Indian trade; at one time the
building of houses for themselves and their tenants, at another the
dyking of the