"Aye, madame, ten years."
"Ma foi! How the time it goes! And you sail no more with the capitaine who shall not be named?"
"That's so. I got a boat of me own, madame. Me and me nevvy here, we intends to run between St. Pierre and the mainland. Tobaccy is dear on the mainland. Savvy?"
Madame smiled wisely.
"There is light," she answered. "So, you also, hein? Well, and why not? The poor should not have to pay taxes."
"You said it, madame."
"Tobacco, you have said. And wine, yes?"
"Liquor, madame, is like tobaccy. If you got to have it, get it cheap."
"So you are wise. Now I—— Well, my fren', I have a large cellar. Vous comprenez? And you shall do as well by me as at that ol' thief Giraud's, who boasts he has all the trade of such as yourself."
"I've heard of Giraud," said Ben cautiously.