“Because he is a giant,” said Tata.

Cigarette snapped her fingers:

“I have danced with grenadiers and cuirassiers quite as tall, and twice as heavy. Apres?”

“Because he bathes—splash! Like any water-dog.”

“Because he is silent.”

“Because he rises in his stirrups.”

“Because he likes the sea.”

“Because he knows boxing.”

“Because he is so quiet, and blazes like the devil underneath.”

Under which mass of overwhelming proofs of nationality the Amie du Drapeau gave in.