"I have been expecting you."
"Indeed?"
"Will you be good enough to withdraw with me behind these yews, in order that our conversation may not be observed from the lodge windows?"
"Certainly, if you wish it."
The whole party followed him, much puzzled. He led them between a couple of gigantic trees, glanced around him, and asked suddenly:
"The young man, I presume, gave you my message?"
"Now, what in the world—" began Captain Runacles with a bewildered stare. But the little hunchback was quicker.
"What young man, sir?" he cried sharply. "Do you mean Tristram Salt?"
"I really don't know his name; but he was accompanied, to be sure, by a Captain Salt when I met him at Vlaardingen."
Captain Barker groaned.