"Beer, or wine, I suppose," answered Lynch, as he led the way he knew not whither, turning to the left, because the street in that direction looked more lively than the others.
There was nothing to be seen, as most of the shops were closed; but they continued on their way till they came to a kind of arcade, a building which contained a broad passage-way, opening from the street, with a large number of little shops on either side.
The interior was brilliantly lighted, and most of the small stores were devoted to fancy goods and other showy articles. The young seamen entered the arcade, in which many people were promenading.
"They say this city is a second edition of Paris on a small scale," continued Lynch. "This is very well got up; but from what I have seen of the town, it looks like a one-horse city. The streets are not much wider than a cow-path."
"But they say it is like Paris," added Grossbeck.
"My eyes! there's a clock that speaks English! It is half past ten," exclaimed Lynch. "But I'm not going back to the Hôtel Royal till I've had a little fun. There's a what-you-call-it, where they sell wine. Let's go in, and see what it's like."
The place indicated was a wine-shop, and the two boys entered, seating themselves at one of the little tables. The prompt waiter came to them, bowed and scraped, and flourished a napkin, and hinted that he would be happy to take their order.
"What will you have, Grossbeck?"
"I'll take a glass of wine."
"Let's see you take it!" laughed Lynch. "What shall we call for? I don't remember a word of French, now that I want to use it."