ill."

Chariot laughed. "And you a Parisian! Waiter, bring more wine!"

The boy dared make no farther objection. The attentions of which he
was the object flattered him immensely. That this man, who for eighteen
months had never vouchsafed him any notice, should, meeting him by
chance that morning in the streets, have invited him to the cabaret and
treated him, was a matter of surprise and congratulation to himself. At
first Jack was somewhat distrustful of such courtesy, for the other had
such a singular way of repeating his question, "Is there nothing new at
the Rondics? Really, nothing new?"

"I wonder," thought the apprentice, "if he wishes me to carry his
letters, instead of Belisaire!"

But after a little while the boy became more at ease. Perhaps Chariot,
he thought, may not be such a bad fellow. A good friend might induce him
to relinquish play, and make him a better man.

After Jack had taken his third glass of wine, he became very cordial,
and offered to become this good friend. Chariot accepting the offer with
enthusiasm, the boy thought himself justified in at once offering his
advice.

"Look here, M. Chariot, listen to me, and don't play any more."

The blow struck home, for the young man's lips trembled nervously, and
he swallowed a glass of brandy at one gulp.

At that moment the factory-bell sounded.

"I must go," cried Jack, starting to his feet. And, as his friend had
paid for the first and second wine they had drank, he considered it
essential that he should now pay in his turn; so he drew a louis from
his pocket, and tossed it on the table.

"Hallo! a yellow boy!" said the barkeeper, unaccustomed to seeing such
in the possession of apprentices. Chariot started, but made no remark.

"Had Jack been to the wardrobe also?" he said to himself. The boy was
delighted at the sensation he had created. "And I have more of the
same kind," he added, tapping his pocket. And then he whispered in his
companion's ear, "It is for a present that I mean to buy Zenaide."

Chariot said, mechanically, "Is it?" and turned away with a smile.

The innkeeper fingered the gold piece with some uneasiness.

"Hurry," said Jack, "or I shall be late."

"I wish, my boy," said Chariot, "that you could have remained with me
until my boat left, which will not be for an hour."

And he gently drew the lad toward the Loire. It was easily done, for,
coming out from the cabaret into the cold air, the wine the child had
dr