Just then Philippe noticed some one in the booth next to their own. A tall man was moving about arranging vegetables. This booth had not been used for a very long time.
"Now," thought Philippe, "we shall have a neighbor."
Philippe smiled at the man, who was staring at the two children. Then the man looked down at the puppy, which was whining unhappily at Philippe's feet.
"Keep him quiet," said the man angrily.
Philippe answered, "He means no harm. He is only excited. It's his first trip to town."
The man did not answer but turned toward his vegetables. Philippe was puzzled. He had never before met anyone like his neighbor.
The man wore ragged clothes, and his face was sunburned. His eyes were coal black and seemed to flash fire. He had a wild look about him. He was tall and moved like a cat.
Suddenly he leaned over toward Philippe.
"Keep that dog quiet, will you?" he snarled.