"Oh, yes," he said.
"What do you mean, Oh yes?"
John advanced to the table, meeting the Colonel's gaze with a steady eye. There is this to be said for being dosed with knock-out drops and shut up in locked rooms and having to take your meals through bars from the hands of a sergeant-major whom only a mother could love—it fits a normally rather shy and diffident young man for the battles of life as few other experiences would be able to fit him. The last time he and this bushy-eyebrowed man had met, John had quailed. But now mere eyebrows meant nothing to him. He felt hardened, like one who has been through the furnace.
"I suppose you are surprised to see us here?"
"More surprised than pleased."
"My uncle was anxious to have a few words with you."
"I have not the slightest desire...."
"If you will just let me explain...."
"I repeat, I have not the slightest desire...."
"Sit Down!" said John.