So this was the woman he had seen on board; not Natalie Coolidge at all.
There had been a mistake of some kind; but if so, why had these people given him this sort of reception aboard?
These thoughts swept his mind in a flash, as the woman peered forward to see his features more clearly.
For a moment she said nothing, and Joe broke out impatiently.
"He's the lad, ain't he ?" he asked.

"We ain't gone an' picked up the wrong guy ?" "No; he's the bird all right.

I never lamped him but once before myself.
I heard his name then, but forgot it.

He's her friend, there ain't no doubt o' that, Joe, and it ain't likely he's hanging around here just for fun, is it?
My idea was it would be safer to take him in." "Sure; what's yer name, young fellow ?" Concealment was useless; they evidently had him correctly spotted; to lie would do no good.
"Matthew West." "That's the name," the woman exclaimed eagerly.

"He is a soldier--a Captain, or something like that.