Yes, they were there in reality—Jack, Lank Edwards, Joe, and the professor and doctor.
Van did not utter a word till he had shook the hand of each.
"Where did you stay all night?" he then asked.
"In this house," replied Jack.
"You did?"
"Sure!" exclaimed Lank Edwards. "After we got tired lookin' for you in ther old building, we went downstairs by ther horses. About half an hour after that along comes two men, who said as how you sent for us. When we got here ther boss of ther house explained things to us, an' said as how you were asleep, so we concluded to wait till morning afore we seed you."
"That's about all there is of it," said Jack, with a laugh. "But come! our host is waiting for us to come to breakfast. A deuced fine place we have struck, I can tell you!"
Van followed his companions from the room, and then all hands entered an elegant dining room, where the man he had met the night before was awaiting them.
A few minutes later they were seated at a table, enjoying a sumptuous repast.
During the meal our friends learned considerable about the little city they were in.