Phil and Arenberg also sat down, as the way was now opened for conversation.
"Then you are from the North, I suppose," said Phil.
"Yes," replied the stranger, "from the State of New York, but I am traveling now, as you see. My name is Middleton, George Middleton."
He paused, meditatively blew a whiff of smoke from the little Spanish cigarrito, and added:
"I'm not for long in New Orleans. I'm thinking of a journey in the West."
"Nobody goes there unless he has a very good reason for going. Iss it not so? No harm iss done where none iss meant," said Arenberg, in a tone half of apology and half of inquiry.
Middleton laughed and took another puff at his cigarrito.
"Certainly no harm has been done," he replied. "You are right, also, in saying that no one goes into the West unless he has an excellent reason. I have such a reason. I want to look for something there."
Phil and the German exchanged glances. They, too, wished to look for something there. So! Here was a third man seeking to embark upon the great journey. But it was no business of theirs what he sought, however curious they might feel about it. Phil took another look at Middleton. Surely his was a good face, a face to inspire trust and courage.
"We wish to go across Texas and New Mexico, also," he said, "but we've been delaying until we could form a party."