The custom house official started and looked intently into Mr. Armitage's face. Then with an exclamation of surprise he flung his arms round the Scoutmaster's neck, and to the amusement of the crew, kissed him on both cheeks.
"Ma foi," he exclaimed, "c' est le capitaine de vaisseau Armitage. I am charmed to see you again, monsieur, but I failed to recognize you. No, the search is unnecessaire. I vill sign your papairs tout de suite."
He went with the Scoutmaster into the after cabin.
"Queer bird that," remarked Hepburn. "Fancy one man kissing another."
"Custom of the country, I suppose," rejoined Roche. "Wonder how he knew Mr. Armitage?"
The question was answered after the douanier had taken his departure.
"I met Jules when I was in R.N.V.R.," explained Mr. Armitage. "Our M.L.'s frequently put into Cherbourg, and as we generally had plenty of provisions on board and people ashore here were on very short allowances, we were made most welcome. Now, lads, we have to wait until nine o'clock before the dock gates open, so suppose we pipe all hands to breakfast."
"Fine idea, sir," replied Hepburn, who was always a good trencherman.
"It is," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "So you can nip ashore, Alan, and get some bread. The bakers open early here. Take this money. I took the precaution of getting Jules to change some for me."
He handed Hepburn a roll of papers, which at first sight looked like a bundle of Treasury notes. Actually these were franc notes, each of the value of about fivepence or sixpence.