A couple of sentries kept guard here, and within the lodge a dozen others were playing at dominoes and laughing like children.
"If you will permit me," said their conductor, as Captain Barker alighted, "I will conduct you as far as the Promenade of Audience.
Otherwise you will have to go with one of my comrades, and probably with one who is ignorant of English." Taking their consent for granted, he marched them past the sentries and through the iron gates.

A broad avenue of yews confronted them, with a gravelled carriage-drive that stretched away till lost amid interlacing boughs.

A couple of gentlemen were advancing down this avenue in brisk conversation.

They were about to pass our friends when the elder of the pair--an old gentleman in blue, with a ruddy complexion and apoplectic neck--glanced up casually, uttered an exclamation, and came to a halt.
Leaving his companion to stare, he advanced towards Captain Runacles and saluted him with punctilio.
"This is a great pleasure," he observed in very good English.
"I'm very glad of that, sir," Captain Runacles answered, "though 'pon my life I don't know why it should be." "I have been expecting you." "Indeed ?" "Will you be good enough to withdraw with me behind these yews, in order that our conversation may not be observed from the lodge windows ?" "Certainly, if you wish it." The whole party followed him, much puzzled.

He led them between a couple of gigantic trees, glanced around him, and asked suddenly: "The young man, I presume, gave you my message ?" "Now, what in the world--" began Captain Runacles with a bewildered stare.