The question was put and the reply was given in English, but Perrine hesitated.
"Why do you hesitate?" asked M. Vulfran, impatiently.
"Because it's a word used in the business that I don't know," answered Perrine, timidly.
"Say the word in English."
"Hydraulic mangle."
"That's all right," said M. Vulfran. He repeated the word in English, but with quite a different accent from the English mechanics, which explains why he had not understood them when they had spoken the words.
"You see that Aveline and Company are ahead of us," he said, turning to his manager. "We have no time to lose. I am going to cable to Fabry to return at once; but while waiting we must persuade these young men to get to work. Ask them what they are standing there for, little girl."
She translated the question, and the one who seemed to be the chief gave her a long answer.
"Well?" asked M. Vulfran.
"They are saying some things that are very difficult for me to understand."