“Did I hear the name Pompilard?” inquired Vance.
“That is my name, sir,” replied the old man.
“Is it he whose wife was a Miss Aylesford?”
“The same, sir.”
“Mr. Pompilard, I have been trying to find you. My carriage is at the door. Will you do me the favor to wait in it five minutes for me till I come down?”
“Certainly, sir.” And Pompilard went out.
“Now, Mr. Charlton,” said Vance, “what I have to say is, that I am called Colonel Vance; that I am recently from New Orleans; that while there it became a part of my official duty to look at certain property held in your name, but claimed by another party.”
“Claimed by a rebel and a traitor, Colonel Vance. I’m delighted to see you, sir. Will you be seated?”
“No, thank you. Let me propose to you, that, as preliminary to other proceedings, I introduce to you to-night certain parties who came with me from New Orleans, and whose testimony may be at once interesting and useful.”
“I shall be obliged to you for the interview, Colonel Vance.”