dress. Follow them, and if
they stay at any of the cafes, I leave you to scrape up an
acquaintance with them.--M."

"Markby has been upon the _qui vive_," said Lenoir to himself. "Smart
fellow, Markby!"

Glancing to the left, he saw the two young sailors approaching: so
Pierre Lenoir made up his mind at once.

He stepped into the house, intending to let them pass and then follow
them, and, if by chance they should, on their way, stop at either of
the cafes, he could drop in and seek the opportunity he so much
desired.

But while he was waiting the young sailors came up, and, instead of
passing the cafe they dropped into chairs at the door and called for
refreshments.

This was more than Lenoir had bargained for.

However, it was no use wasting time.

He desired to profit by the opportunity, and so out he came and sat at
the next table to the two young Englishmen.

* * * *

"What's your opinion of Marseilles, Jack?"

"Nothing great."

"Ditto."

"Nothing to see once you're out of sight of the sea, and the natives
are not very interesting. They only appear to be full of conceit about
their town without the least reason for it. I should like to know if
there is really any thing in Marseilles to warrant the faintest belief
in the place."

This was Pierre Lenoir's opportunity.

He stepped forward.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," said he. "Englishmen, I presume?"

"Yes, sir," responded Jack; "are you English?"

"I haven't that honour," replied Pierre Lenoir.

"You speak good English. You have resided in England, I suppose, for a
long while?"

"No, only a short time. Long enough to get a desire to go back there."

"That's very kind of you to say so. Your countrymen, as a rule, don't
speak in such flattering terms of _la perfide_ Albion."

"And yet they are glad enough to find a refuge there."

"True."

"Are you a native of Marseilles?" asked Harry.

"No."

"Then you are not offended at our remarks?"

"Not a bit," replied Lenoir heartily. "The Marseillais are absurdly
conceited about their town, and after all it contains but few objects
of interest for a traveller."

"Very few."

"There are some, however, and if you will accept my escort, I shall be
very happy to show you them."

They expressed their thanks at this courteous offer which, on a very
little pressing, they were glad to accept.

"Thanks; we will go and tell a friend, who is wait