The Russian fur traders were
forming a monopoly. They told no secrets to the world. They wanted no
intruders on their hunting-ground. Could Ledyard have known that the
surly, bearded Russian was to blast his new-born ambitions; could
Ismyloff have guessed that the eager, young, beardless corporal of
marines was indirectly to be the means of wresting the Pacific coast
from Russia--each might have smiled at the tricks of destiny.
Ledyard had two more years to serve in the British navy when he
returned from Cook's voyage. By another trick of destiny he was sent
out on a battle ship to fight against his native country in the
Revolutionary War. It was a time when men wore patriotic coats of many
colors. His ship lay at anchor off Long Island. He had not seen his
mother for seven years, but knew that the war had reduced her to
opening a lodging house for British officers. Asking for a week's
furlough, Ledyard went ashore, proceeded to his mother's {253} house,
knocked at the door, and was taken as a lodger by her without being
recognized, which was, perhaps, as well; for the house was full of
British spies.
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