sland. I cannot sanction such a
proceeding. I took you for very different people to what I now find
that you are. I regret it, but I must give you back into custody."

Such was the import of the old gentleman's address as far as we could
comprehend it. It made us look very blue and feel very foolish. The
worst of it was, that even our fair friends began to turn up their noses
at us. Suddenly O'Driscoll slapped his leg with vehemence.

"I'll bet a thousand dollars that black scoundrel has been telling a
parcel of lies about us, which has so suddenly made our friend, Monsieur
Shagreen here, so suddenly change his opinion of us. I'll ask him, and
assure him that the blackamoor is not to be trusted."

On this O'Driscoll held forth to the old gentleman, who, however, as he
could not make head nor tail of what was said to him, was not much
edified. Had we been able indeed to speak French fluently, I have no
doubt that we should have got the better of the nigger. As it was he
got the better of us, and finally got us again under his guardianship.
The only consolation was that we obtained the sympathy of the ladies,
who, when they really understood our painful position, at once exhibited
a delicacy and kindness which we had not expected when we were first
introduced to them. They quickly disappeared, and came back with a
variety of articles which they thought might conduce to our comfort.
Blessings on the sex, whether black, brown or white, wherever they are
found! The negro fumed and foamed and talked very big, I doubt not,
though what he said we could not clearly comprehend. He seemed also
disposed to prevent us from receiving the gifts which the ladies
offered. This made them, we saw, very indignant; but they quickly
managed to get round him, and, either by threats or bribes, induced him
to promise that he would treat us with kindness. They stowed all their
gifts, which consisted chiefly of eatables, into some grass bags, which
were slung across our mules' backs in front of us. The negro showed by
his impatient gestures that he wanted to be off, so, bidding our kind
hostesses farewell and expressing our gratitude as best we could, we
descended the steps to mount our beasts. Our host's leave-taking was
far more formal than his reception of us. He was evidently a
kind-hearted, generous man, but could not shut out of his sight certain
visions of offended dignitaries angry at the entertainment he had
afforded t