The stout man smiled with an air of satisfaction.
"It seems you know one another," cried the major. "I am glad of it, because everything will go smoothly."
"How so?" cried Tom Mitchell.
"My dear captain, these gentlemen want you; they came to me for that purpose. Certainly their business must indeed be of an important character," he added, "to induce them to make such an awful journey, lasting over a month."
"It must be serious business," said the captain.
"The two French gentlemen bring letters from the Home Secretary."
"Indeed!"
"And Master Stoneweld one from General Jackson," added the major, "So now I expect you will do the best you can."
"Have no fear."
"Of course not, though I know you are rather hot at times. As for myself, I am choked with fog and hoarseness," he added.