“What was the name of your ship?”

“La Belle Arlésienne.”

No sooner had the words left Gaspard’s mouth than an extraordinary change took place in the face of the Captain; long enough by nature, it lengthened still more. He came forward and grasped Gaspard’s arm.

“La Belle Arlésienne!!!”

“Oui.”

“Belonging to Pierre Sagesse?”

“Pierre Sagesse—oui.”

“Was he on board—Hi, you d——d Dago, ask him was Pierre Sagesse aboard.”

Diego put the question.

“Yes.”