In this noisy crowded place the two drinkers were talking together familiarly.
The dark young man, after having listened with curiosity to the confidences of his companion, which must have been of an extraordinary nature, judging by the exclamations of surprise they evoked, asked:
"But what is your profession, then?"
"But I have already told you," replied the fat man. "I am a clown—a musical clown.... I interpret comic romances.... I dress up as a negro, I play the banjo!" This jovial individual began humming an air which was the rage of the moment.
The dark young man interrupted with another question:
"What is your native country, Tommy?"
"Oh, I am a Belgian.... And you, Butler?"
The dark young man, who answered to the name of Butler, gave what had to pass for an account of himself.
"I... I'm Canadian—just come from Canada—hardly three months ago."
"As much as that?" remarked fat Tommy.