Alaric followed the captain into the well-known room in which Norman used to sleep, wondering what could be the nature of Uncle Bat's important communication.

It might, probably, be some tidings of Sir Jib Boom.
'Mr.Alaric,' said the old man, as soon as they were both seated on opposite sides of a little Pembroke table that stood in the middle of the room, 'I was heartily glad to hear of your success at the Weights and Measures; not that I ever doubted it if they made a fair sailing match of it.' 'I am sure I am much obliged to you, Captain Cuttwater.' 'That is as may be, by and by.

But the fact is, I have taken a fancy to you.

I like fellows that know how to push themselves.' Alaric had nothing for it but to repeat again that he felt himself grateful for Captain Cuttwater's good opinion.
'Not that I have anything to say against Mr.Norman--a very nice young man, indeed, he is, very nice, though perhaps not quite so cheerful in his manners as he might be.' Alaric began to take his friend's part, and declared what a very worthy fellow Harry was.
'I am sure of it--I am sure of it,' said Uncle Bat; 'but everybody can't be A1; and a man can't make everybody his heir.' Alaric pricked up his ears.

So after all Captain Cuttwater was right in calling his communication important.