"Yes, sir."
"I had no idea of that."
"My transfer was effected as quietly as possible, sir, with a view to arousing no suspicion. The letter is merely my credentials from General Whiston."
The Colonel nodded.
"Judging from this," said the Colonel, "General Whiston has an extremely high opinion of your gifts."
John tried to look as modest as possible.
"I am a great believer in luck, sir," he said, "and up to now I have had plenty of it." He was thinking of the saving of the Imperator, which had brought him so many laurels from Dacent Smith.
"I hope you'll bring luck to me," said the Colonel. "I can promise you I need it." He was delighted that the powers that be had really sent help, despite his disbelief in them. His eyes were still upon John. He liked the young man's frank expression, his cheerful and easy manners and the bold poise of his head.
"A good-looking, heftily-built youngster," thought he. "I only hope he is as shrewd as he looks active."
"Now, I suppose," he said aloud, "you want me to tell you all the trouble?"