In fact they have but just arrived." "Thank you.

I'll go down and look in." "My friend," he said to himself, as he walked aft and descended the ladder, "the chance has come sooner than you expected.

You'll have to play this game boldly." He knocked at the cabin door and entered, with the dust of travel thick upon him.

He had ridden thirty-six miles since breakfast along dusty roads and under a broiling sun.

Nevertheless his manner was cool enough as he bowed to all present.
"I must apologise, gentlemen, for the state of my clothes; but I heard you were sitting and could not rest until I had saluted you." They welcomed him heartily as he dropped into a vacant chair.
M.de la Pailletine reached across the table and shook hands with him.
"It is very thoughtful of you," said the Commodore.