"Ha!" exclaimed the Frenchman. "I'd like to see you try it. You caught me off my guard the other night. You can't do it again."
"I don't particularly care to do it," returned Hal, quietly, "because you're not worth it; but if I start I'll probably go through with it."
Again the Frenchman sneered at him.
Further conversation was prevented by the appearance of a French lieutenant who had observed the trouble.
"Matin!" he ordered. "Back to your post at once, sir."
The latter saluted respectfully enough, but he gave Hal another evil look as he walked away.
"He's no friend of yours, that's sure," said the young French officer to
Hal, with a smile.
"I am glad to say he's not," replied Hal, quietly. "I don't believe I'd care for a friend like that."
"I don't blame you," was the young officer's response. "Matin has a bad reputation and I would advise you to keep your eye on him."
"Thanks," said Hal. "I shall remember that. By the way, can you tell me just where we are?"