"Excusez-moi," I said.
"Aoh! mon ami, oui ... je savé ce que vo—volé ... je demandé pardonne."
And, without another word, he drew from his pocket a fifty-centime piece, which he slipped into my hand.
As you must always keep what an Englishman gives you a chance of pocketing, I did not hesitate to put the fifty-centimes in a safe place.
This done, I said to him in decent English:
"My dear sir, let me give you a piece of advice. When you have got a Frenchman to talk himself hoarse to explain to you your way, just thank him."
"Why, sir, you speak English——"
He was immediately all apologies.
"Above all," I continued, "never offer money in this country before you are quite sure it will be acceptable. You might have it thrown in your face," I added laughing.
My Englishman held out his hand, as if to receive back his fifty centimes.