"'Then M. le Citoyen had better land, for before we reach St. Cloud, he will be smoked like a Westphalian ham.'
"'Take care, Jules,' said I, 'the citizen may be a fire-eater—some devil of a fellow who spends half his days in a shooting gallery.'
"'Parbleu, he doesn't look much like a fire-eater; but perhaps monsieur is an editor—an author?' suggested Jules, with another long puff.
"'Exactly,' said I; 'he is an author.'
"'Of what?'
"'The famous Voyage à Saint Cloud par mer, et retour par terre, taking notes for a new edition.'
"This sally produced a roar of laughter, on which the citizen suddenly folded his paper and prepared to rise, as we were now close to St. Cloud.
"'Don't forget to record, M. l'Editeur, that last week I pulled a charming young girl out of the river close by.'
"'Trust you didn't pull her hair up by the roots, Jules,' said one.
"'Or rumple her dress?' said another.