"If I am unfortunate enough to call you out in a storm," said the captain, "I can, at least, give you a fire, and some food and drink. They may keep its rigors from fastening upon your bodies."
The two men sat down; brandy was brought, and some plates of hot bread, and potted hare, and cold meats. They ate and drank, and this, together with the fire, quieted them. At their third glass, Captain Weir said:
"Of course, I'd a deal rather have chosen a more comfortable time; but, as matters have shown themselves, I had no choice and was forced to ask your presence at once."
Tarrant, glass in hand, looked at the speaker; and there was still a glint of his first mood in his eye.
"There have been a few occasions," said he, "when you all but had us here without your asking."
Captain Weir raised his brows; Blake laughed and said to him:
"A half-dozen times in the past year he has been for putting a pistol to your ribs. It was all I could do to persuade him."
Weir said nothing, but looked at Tarrant, his brows still up.
"Was there a lack of cause for the desire?" said Tarrant. "I could name you five reasons," giving Weir's look back steadily, "for each separate impulse. But we'll speak of the last one only."
"It will save time," said Weir composedly.