sail very shortly.

One Tuesday evening the Durande arrived at St. Malo while it was still
broad daylight. Sieur Clubin, standing upon the bridge of the vessel,
and superintending the manoeuvres necessary for getting her into port,
perceived upon the sandy beach near the Petit-Bey, two men, who were
conversing between the rocks, in a solitary spot. He observed them with
his sea-glass, and recognised one of the men. It was Captain Zuela. He
seemed to recognise the other also.

This other was a person of high stature, a little grey. He wore the
broad-brimmed hat and the sober clothing of the Society of Friends. He
was probably a Quaker. He lowered his gaze with an air of extreme
diffidence.

On arriving at the Jean Auberge, Sieur Clubin learnt that the
_Tamaulipas_ was preparing to sail in about ten days.

It has since become known that he obtained information on some other
points.

That night he entered the gunsmith's shop in the St. Vincent Street, and
said to the master:

"Do you know what a revolver is?"

"Yes," replied the gunsmith. "It is an American weapon."

"It is a pistol with which a man can carry on a conversation."

"Exactly: an instrument which comprises in itself both the question and
the answer."

"And the rejoinder too."

"Precisely, Monsieur Clubin. A rotatory clump of barrels."

"I shall want five or six balls."

The gunmaker twisted the corner of his lip, and made that peculiar noise
with which, when accompanied by a toss of the head, Frenchmen express
admiration.

"The weapon is a good one, Monsieur Clubin."

"I want a revolver with six barrels."

"I have not one."

"What! and you a gunmaker!"

"I do not keep such articles yet. You see, it is a new thing. It is only
just coming into vogue. French makers, as yet, confine themselves to the
simple pistol."

"Nonsense."

"It has not yet become an article of commerce."

"Nonsense, I say."

"I have excellent pistols."

"I want a revolver."

"I agree that it is more useful. Stop, Monsieur Clubin!"

"What?"

"I believe I know where there is one at this moment in St. Malo; to be
had a bargain."

"A revolver?"

"Yes."

"For sale?"

"Yes."

"Where is that?"

"I believe I know; or I can find out."

"When can you give me an answer?"

"A bargain; but of good quality."

"When shall I return?"

"If I procure you a revolver, remember, it will be a good one."

"When will you give me an answer?"

"After your next