It did not take long for Phil to get acquainted with Emile Touron, for the young Frenchman made himself very much at home at Hyson Hall. He took the greatest interest in the place, went all over the house and farm, visited the stables and barn, and asked a great many questions, some of which Phil did not like, as they concerned the price and value of various things on the farm.
It was evident that Emile was a very sharp-witted and practical youth. His knowledge frequently surprised Phil and Chap; and when he met with anything he did not understand he was not satisfied until he found out all that he could about it.
But his manner to Chap was not always pleasant, and he once asked Phil how long “zis Shap” was going to stay.
“For a long time, I hope,” said Phil, quickly. “He is my best friend.”
And the subject was dropped.
Chap did not like the French boy at all. He generally called him “Emily,” in speaking of him, though Phil would not allow him to do so to his face.
“He has got a girl’s name,” said Chap, “and we might as well give it to him squarely in English.”
Not only was Emile personally disagreeable to Chap, but he interfered with his plans. Chap wanted very much to go to work on the wreck, and if he did so now he must either conceal the undertaking from the French boy or let him have part in it.
The first was evidently impossible, and there were many objections to the second. The greatest of these was that Emile would lay claim to a portion of the recovered treasure.
“But he hasn’t any right to it,” said Chap, when talking of the matter to Phil, who had at last consented to go into the wrecking business, although he had not been told the story of the three brothers. “A fellow can’t inherit through his father, and then around to his step-mother, and back to her ancestors, can he?”