"Was forty years ago," the old captain said, looking round for a laugh; "but he doesn't go out of the street once a month."
"I asked him where Marquise was, and be hanged if he could tell me. I want to know particularly."
The major glanced at the captain, and the captain at a third companion. Was somebody wanted? Who was hiding at Marquise?
"Thought every fool knew that," the captain said, in the belief that he had made a palpable hit.
"Every fool who lives in these parts, leastwise," the stranger retorted. "Perhaps you'll direct me?'
"Now, look you here, sir," the captain was proceeding, leisurely emphasizing each word with a puff of tobacco smoke.
But the stranger would not be patient. He changed his tone, and answered, fiercely—
"I'm in no mind for fun or chaff. I've got d——d serious business on hand; and if you can tell me how to get to Marquise, tell me straight off, and ha' done with it—and I shall be obliged to you." With this he finished his second tankard of ale.
Hanger, feeling some responsibility about the man he had introduced, approached him with marked urbanity, and offered his services—
"I know Marquise and Wimille."