“The monsieur be blanked!” cried Teddy, using a most unnecessarily strong expression. “O' course we're coming, too.”
“But I shall not permit—”
“Silence!” said Dick. “Messieurs, let us put on our coats! Halfred, load that pistol of yours; the expedition is starting.”
No use in protesting. These two faithful comrades hilariously cried down all resistance, and the four of us set off for the station.
In a remote, half-lit corner of that huge, draughty building, we found the special train standing; an engine, two carriages, and the great colored van already mounted upon a truck. The Marquis met me with a surprised and disappointed look.
“Is this all the aid you bring?” he asked.
“All!” I exclaimed. “I do not know what mistake you have made, but my guests never appeared.”
“Is that the truth?”
“M. le Marquis!”
“Pardon. I see; there must have been some error. Well, it cannot be helped now. I, at least, have been more successful; I have got my men. Who are these two?”