2 76 ALONGSHORE 



man, In whose bearing deference and effrontery 

 were very subtly mingled. 



*You do not remember me. I spoke you out- 

 side the station. I could have much aided you.' 

 He pointed to the word Interpreter on his worn 

 peak-cap. 



'We didn't want you then. We got on all 

 right without. But take a glass of wine with us 

 now. Madame, three d'mis't'iers of white wine, 

 please.' 



'You can speak French! But you are not 

 here in Paris. They do not understand demisetlers. 

 You must buy in the bottle of a litre. I dine 

 here every evening. Listen, I can show you all 

 Boulogne — all the best Boulogne — the Boulogne 

 the English love to see.' 



He turned to Jim. 'You wish — you — votis 

 voidez rigoler — go on the bust, you say — is it not ?' 



'Yes,' replied Jim blankly. 



'He doesn't understand you,' I explained. 

 'Besides, we wish to go on the bust mildly. 

 Douccment! Monsieur is father of a family.' 



'Ah ! he has one, two little ones, three perhaps?' 



'He's had a dozen.' 



'Madame Bonne, Madame Bonne!' sang out 

 the interpreter. She emerged from her cupboard 



