“Perhaps,” suggested Stephen Wheelock, “they might even have stopped here to-night.”
Silence followed this—a silence that showed the interest which the remark caused among the newcomers.
“Landlord,” called Danvers, at last.
“Yes, monsieur,” quickly responded that individual, crossing the room.
“Have you seen anything of any travelers to-night?”
“Only the gentlemen who stopped here, monsieurs.”
“Stopped here! Ah!”
Captain Jones and Ethan Carlyle heard a sudden drawing back of stools and a chorus of sharp, breathless exclamations.
“So,” continued Danvers, in a slightly lower tone, “some travelers stopped here to-night, did they?”
“They did, monsieur, very fine gentlemen indeed. They honored my poor house by breaking bread in it, and eating of my excellent potato soup.”