From this occupation he fled as soon as his ready adaptability had made him a useful hand to his new master, and took to a roving life again. What he was now doing in Marseilles no one could positively assert.
How it was that Pierre Lenoir had such an abundant supply of ready money, the progress of our narrative will show—for with it are connected several of not the least exciting episodes in the career of young Jack Harkaway.
So much for Pierre Lenoir.
Now for his companion at the café.
He was called Markby, and, as his name indicates, he was an Englishman.
Being but a poor French scholar, he had scraped up an acquaintance with Pierre Lenoir, chiefly on account of the latter's proficiency in the English language.
There is little to be said concerning Markby's past history, for reasons which will presently be apparent.
What further reason he may have had for cultivating the friendship of the rover, Pierre Lenoir, will probably show itself in due course.
"I have disposed of that last batch of five-franc pieces," said Markby. "Here are the proceeds."