So they were obliged to keep at a distance.

At that moment a portly, elderly gentleman, who had been watching the
scene, came up, saying--

"Have I the honour of addressing Mr. Harkaway?"

"That is my name, sir."

"I am the English consul."

Our old hero at once seized him by the hand, saying--

"Sir, words are powerless to express how grateful I am for your
interference on behalf of my boy."

"Don't mention it, sir, I only did as I am instructed to do in all such
cases."

"But about the trial; what chance does that young scapegrace stand?"

"There is very little doubt that he will be acquitted, as we have the
best of evidence in his favour. But come along, sir, let us get into
court."

The consul led the way into the hall of justice, and placed the
Harkaway party among the audience in such a position that they could
see all that was going on, without being conspicuous themselves.

Then they waited patiently till the judge arrived.

* * * *

While our young hero's father and friends were thus entering
Marseilles, two people were trying to leave that city.

These were Herbert Murray and his friend Chivey.

"There ain't no use in stoppin' 'ere, guv'nor," the latter had said.
"We can see by the papers what they gets."

"You are right, Chivey; we will get away for a time."

"We can come back an' see 'em when they are fairly fixed, you know."

"Well, pack up, and we'll just take a trip to Paris for a week."

Their portmanteaus were quickly got ready, and a vehicle was engaged to
take them to the railway station.

But when they alighted, and were about to take their tickets, a very
polite police officer tapped Murray on the shoulder, and said--

"I much regret to have to ask monsieur to postpone his journey."

"What?"

"I must request Monsieur to defer his visit to Paris till after the
trial of the English coiners."

"What has that to do with me?"

"The judge may desire your presence, monsieur; he may wish to hear your
evidence."

"Nonsense!"

"It may be; but I am compelled to say that I cannot permit you to leave
Marseilles to-day, and I must request you to accompany me back to the
hall of justice."

"We are prisoners, then?"

"By no means. Only the law requires your presence, and the law, you
know, must be obeyed, monsieur?"

Chivey had not taken part in the conversation, but had been looking
round for a good chance of escaping.

"You,