l French airs. Rayner and
Oliver thought them charming girls, and had they not felt it was their
duty to get back to their ship as soon as possible, would gladly have
remained in their society for an indefinite period.

At last they begged leave to go down to see their men. They were guided
to their rooms by sounds of music and uproarious laughter. They found
Le Duc seated on a three-legged stool on the top of a table fiddling
away, while old Francois, three black women, Tom and Brown, were dancing
in the strangest possible fashion, whirling round and round, kicking up
their heels, and joining hands, while Jack lay on a bed at the farther
end of the room, looking as if he longed to get up and take a part in
the dance.

On seeing the strangers, Francois became as grave as a judge, and
hurrying up to them, observed, "I thought it as well, messieurs, just to
join in for one minute to set the young people going. The poor sailors
needed encouragement, and I like to make people happy."

"You succeeded well, Monsieur Francois," remarked Rayner. "I will not
interrupt them, but I have a few words to speak to my men."

He then told Tom and Brown that it was the wish of Madame La Roche that
they should remain in the house, and not show themselves by any chance
to the people outside.

"In course, sir," said Brown. "We are as happy as princes here. They
feed us with as much as we can eat, and give us a right good welcome
too."

"Take care that you don't indulge too much," said Rayner. "We are
obliged to you, Le Duc, for finding us such good quarters, and we shall
be still more grateful if you will accompany us to the Spanish border.
I conclude you will then desire to return home."

"I am very much at home where I am," replied Le Duc, with a grin. "If
madame will accept my services, I shall be very happy to remain here.
Perhaps one of the young ladies will fall in love with me, and I should
prefer settling down to knocking about at sea."

Rayner and Oliver were horrified at the Frenchman's impudence.

"Pray do not be troubled at what I say, messieurs," said Le Duc, with
perfect coolness. "Such things have happened before, and one Frenchman
here is as good as another."

They saw that it would not do to discuss the matter with the seaman,
who, it was evident, from the dishes and glasses standing on the table
by the window, had been making himself merry with his companions.

The afternoon was spent very much as th