"I always thought I should like to go up the Rhine. I have been up the Hudson, which I have often heard compared to the Rhine."
"There is no comparison between them," said Sharpley, who, not being an American, was not influenced by a patriotic prejudice in favor of the Hudson. "The Rhine has ruined castles and vine-clad hills, and is far more interesting."
"Very likely," said Frank. "At any rate, I want to see it."
"We will start to-morrow night, then. Morning will bring us across the frontier. You will be ready, of course?"
"Yes, sir."
The next morning Frank went to the exposition to acquaint Mr. Tarbox with his approaching departure.
"Are you goin'? I'm real sorry, Frank," said the Yankee. "I shall kinder hanker arter you, boy. You seem like home. As to them chatterin', frog-eatin' furriners, I can't understand a word they say, and ef I could I wouldn't want to."
"I am afraid you are prejudiced, Mr. Tarbox. I have met some very agreeable French people."
"I haven't," said Mr. Tarbox. "They don't suit me. There ain't nothin' solid or substantial about 'em."