He was thinking that this was doubtless a military detective, a very usual factor for ferreting out schemes, obnoxious to the Federal government and in aid of the Confederacy. He determined to hold hard and sell his life dear.
"Have you any letters or papers—any written communication for me?"
"None whatever," Julius ventured.
"You knew you would meet me here?" the older man apparently wished to say as little as he might.
"I fancied I should meet you, but not in this manner," said Julius, also enigmatical.
The portly gentleman looked painfully nonplussed and ill at ease, as he sat in the light little yellow rocking-chair, which now and again treacherously tilted backward and caused him a momentary but agitated effort at equilibrium, and Julius vaguely remembered to have heard that rocking-chairs were not popular in England, and reflected that this worthy was not accustomed to have his centre of gravity so jeopardized.
"I think I should have had ampler voucher. You will pardon me for saying this?" remarked the stranger, at length.
"I will pardon you for saying anything you like," said Julius, politely.
"The Company informed me that a young man familiar with the country—a native, in fact—would meet me here and that I should be afforded means to identify him. I fancied he would have letters. But when I saw the register I supposed this the mark of identification. Am I right?"
"My dear sir, you must not expect me to guarantee your impressions," said Julius. He was glad he was in bed. He felt that he could not have stood up. "I should say, judging from the effect your valuable mental qualities make upon me, that any impression you see fit to entertain would be amply justified by the fact."