"This promises to be an interesting conversation," said Cassim, in an animated tone. "Proceed, John Duval, Engineer. What is it you wish us to do?"
"I had better begin at the beginning, gentlemen all."
"That's generally considered the best way," observed Peter, with mild sarcasm.
"Be quiet! you small pill-box. Let Jack speak."
"As I told you at dinner," said Jack, placing his elbows backward on the mantelshelf, "I have been all over the world since I last saw your three faces. China, Peru, New Zealand, India, Turkey—I know all those places, and many others. I have made money; I have lost money; I have had ups and downs; but everywhere I can safely say I've had a good time."
"Same here," murmured Tim, refilling his pipe.
"At present I am in Central America," pursued Jack, taking no notice of the interpolation, "under engagement as a railway engineer to the Republic of Cholacaca."
"Cholacaca?" echoed Tim, loudly; "isn't it there the row's to take place?"
"Why, what do you know about it, Tim?"
"A special correspondent knows a lot of things," returned Fletcher, sagely. "Go on with the music, my boy. I'll tell you something when you've ended."