He knew Alton by reputation, and having business with him had made him free of his house when he inquired for Deringham, who was his guest, during the former's absence in the State of Washington.

That was how Alton came to be waiting for dinner in company with a young naval officer.

Deringham and his daughter had returned during the day, but they had driven somewhere with their hostess and not come back as yet.
Alton had seen Commander Thorne for the first time that day, but some friendships are made rapidly and without an effort, and he was already sensible of a regard for his companion.

He was a quiet and unobtrusive Englishman, with the steadiness of gaze and decisiveness of speech which characterized those who command at sea, and had discovered that he had, notwithstanding the difference in their vocations, much in common with rancher Alton.
"Yes," he said.

"It is very good of you, and if we stay at Esquimault I will come up and spend a day or two among the deer.