Somewhat dazed though he was, Frank noted that, beyond a doubt, the ones who were so very curious and who so rudely demanded his name were visitors in New Orleans. More than that, from their appearance, they were people who would not think of such acts at home, but now were eager to know the Northern lad who by one nervy and daring act had made himself generally talked about in a Southern city.
Some of the women declared he was "So handsome!" and "So manly!" to Frank's increasing dismay.
"I'd give a hundred dollars to get out of this!" he thought.
He must have spoken the words aloud, although he was not aware of it, for a voice at his elbow, low and musical, said:
"Come dis-a-way, señor, an' I will tek yo' out of it."
Frank saw Manuel Mazaro close at hand. The Spaniard—for such Mazaro was—bowed gracefully, and smiled pleasantly upon the boy from the North.
A moment Frank hesitated, and then he said:
"Lead on; I'll follow."
Quickly Mazaro skirted the edge of the throng for a short distance, plunged into the mass, made sure Frank was close behind, and then forced his way through to a doorway.
"Dis-a way," he invited.