Not only did
he show him over the mine and give him all possible information
concerning it, but he kept him over night in his own bachelor quarters,
and provided a boat to take him across to Portugal Cove on the mainland
in the morning.
From that point, there being no conveyance, Cabot was forced to walk the
nine miles into St. Johns, which city he did not reach until nearly noon.
Even there, where fur-clad Arctic explorers are not uncommon, Cabot's
costume attracted much attention. Disregarding this, he inquired his way
to the Bank of Nova Scotia, where he presented the letter of credit that
he had carefully treasured amid all the vicissitudes of the past ten
months. The paying teller of the bank examined it closely, and then took
a long look at the remarkable-appearing young man who had presented it.
Finally he said curtly:
"Sign your name."
Cabot did so, and the other, after comparing the two signatures, retired
to an inner room. From it he reappeared a few moments later and
requested Cabot to follow him inside, where the manager wished to see him.
The manager also regarded our lad with great curiosity as he said:
"You have retained this letter a long time without presenting it."
"And I might have retained it longer if I had not been in need of money,"
rejoined Cabot, somewhat nettled by the man's manner.
"You are Cabot Grant of New York?"
"I am.
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