Littlestone, for it was he, continued to gaze in mute astonishment, as if the events of the past had been defiling through his memory; and he probably thought that the figures before him were mere phantom creations of his brain.
"Willis! can it be possible?" he exclaimed, taking at the same time the Pilot's proffered hand.
"Yes, captain, as you see."
"And the two young Beckers, as I live!" cried Littlestone.
"Yes," said Jack, "and delighted to find you at last."
Littlestone then shook them all heartily by the hand.
"It is but a poor welcome that I, a prisoner in the enemy's country, can give you to Europe; still I am truly overjoyed to see you. But where have you all come from?"
"From New Switzerland," replied Jack.
"But how?"
"By sea."