ls should ask where I am tell him the number of my
room."

The landlord promised to obey Roland's injunctions and the latter
followed the girl upstairs whistling the Marseillaise. Five minutes
later he was seated at a table with the desired paper, pen and ink
before him preparing to write. But just as he was beginning the first
line some one knocked, three times at the door.

"Come in," said he, twirling his chair on one of its hind legs so as to
face his visitor, whom he supposed to be either, M. de Barjols or one of
his friends.

The door opened with a steady mechanical motion and the Englishman
appeared upon the threshold.

"Ah!" exclaimed Roland, enchanted with this visit, in view of his
general's recommendation; "is it you?"

"Yes," said the Englishman, "it is I."

"You are welcome."

"Oh! if I am welcome, so much the better! I was not sure that I ought to
come."

"Why not?"

"On account of Aboukir."

Roland began to laugh.

"There are two battles of Aboukir," said he; "one which we lost; the
other we won."

"I referred to the one you lost."

"Good!" said Roland, "we fight, kill, and exterminate each other on the
battlefield, but that does not prevent us from clasping hands on neutral
ground. So I repeat, you are most welcome, especially if you will tell
me why you have come."

"Thank you; but, in the first place, read that." And the Englishman drew
a paper from his pocket.

"What is that?" asked Roland.

"My passport."

"What have I to do with your passport?" asked Roland, "I am not a
gendarme."

"No, but I have come to offer you my services. Perhaps you will not
accept them if you do not know who I am."

"Your services, sir?"

"Yes; but read that first."

Roland read:

In the name of the French Republic--The Executive Directory hereby
orders that Sir John Tanlay, Esq., be permitted to travel freely
throughout the territory of the Republic, and that both assistance
and protection be accorded him in case of need.
(Signed) FOUCHE.

And below:

To whom it may concern--I recommend Sir John Tanlay particularly
as a philanthropist and a friend of liberty.
(Signed) BARRAS.

"Have you read it?"

"Yes; what of it?"

"What of it? Well, my father, Lord Tanlay, rendered M. Barras some
services; that is why M. Barras permits me to roam about France. And I
am very glad to roam about; it amuses me very much."

"Oh, I remember, Sir John; you did us the honor to say s