"Enter," roared a jovial bass voice.
The negro threw open a leaf of the door and stood aside.
"Dis gen'lemun done jus' lan' f'om London wif letters fo' yo' Exluncy," he announced.
I saw before me a group of eight men gathered around a dinner-table, which was spread with maps and papers in place of eatables. At the head sat the man of the bass voice, ruddy-faced, comfortable in girth, with the high forehead of the thinker and the square jaw of the man of action.
"I am Governor Burnet, sir," he said. "Who are you?"
"These letters will explain, your Excellency," I replied, not caring to reveal my identity before so many persons.
I tendered them to him.
"Hah, from Master Juggins!" he exclaimed with heightened interest. "You sailed on the New Venture?"
"Yes, your Excellency—with Master Murray."
"That is well. Be seated, sir; be seated," ordered the governor as he slit the packet.