"You did me the honour to write," observed Mitchell. "Well, I have some important business to talk about; but first allow me to present to you these two gentlemen. They are French, and consequently I cannot pronounce their names. Oh, I assure you they are worthy gentlemen." And the fat major laughed heartily. The captain bowed to the two Frenchmen without speaking. One was a man of about fifty, still young, and with apparently polished manners and rather haughty mien; the other, much younger, was bronzed by the sun, strong, and rather rough. "This gentleman," continued the major, "is our own countryman, Mr. Stoneweld, of Boston city." "I think you know me," observed the apoplectic speaker. "Who does not know Master Stoneweld, of the house of Stoneweld, Errard, and Co., the richest shipowner in all Boston?" The stout man smiled with an air of satisfaction. "It seems you know one another," cried the major. "I am glad of it, because everything will go smoothly." "How so?" cried Tom Mitchell. "My dear captain, these gentlemen want you; they came to me for that purpose. Certainly their business must indeed be of an important character," he added, "to induce them to make such an awful journey, lasting over a month." "It must be serious business," said the captain. "The two French gentlemen bring letters from the Home Secretary." "Indeed!" "And Master Stoneweld one from General Jackson," added the major, "So now I expect you will do the best you can." "Have no fear." "Of course not, though I know you are rather hot at times. As for myself, I am choked with fog and hoarseness," he added. "I am at the orders of these gentlemen," replied the captain. "I shall be happy to do all in my power for them." "Spoken like a man," said the major in a fidgety way. "But this seems hardly the place for a serious conversation." "I am sorry for it," replied Tom Mitchell coldly. "I was not told until the last minute, and you must take me in the rough." "Why not go over to the island?" suggested the major. "I dare say we should be more at our ease--eh, captain?" "I am sorry, major, but it would take too much time. Besides, I have already provided refreshments here, if you will accept." "With the greatest of pleasure," cried the major, coughing behind his hand; "and yet these gentlemen have important matters to discuss, very important matters," he added, complacently. "What matter, major? Breakfast first, business afterwards." "As you will," said the major, following him into the hut. By the orders of Camotte, during this conversation a very copious breakfast had been prepared. It was almost wholly composed of venison; but flanking the solids were a number of long-necked bottles that at once showed their Bordeaux and Burgundian origin, to say nothing of some brands of Champagne so dear to Americans. The major was so delighted that he said "Hum!" no less than three times, and then spoke to the outlaw chief.