The air around him was tainted with a peculiar odor, such as he had never met before.

It was of a rank nature, and, while not agreeable, could not be said to be really unpleasant.

It might have interested him more, but for his anxiety to reach the shelter which was now so near at hand.
Arriving at the cabin, he found the latch-string hanging out.

A sharp pull, the door was swung inward and Harvey stepped into a small room, lit up by a crackling wood-fire on the hearth.
As he entered, two men who were smoking their pipes, looked up.

The visitor could not hide his expression of surprise, for they were Hugh O'Hara and Thomas Hansell, the last persons in the world he wished to see..