The fisherman informed him that six days previously, a man had come in the night to hire his boat, for the purpose of visiting the island of St.Honnorat.The price was agreed upon, but the gentleman had arrived with an immense carriage case, which he insisted upon embarking, in spite of the many difficulties that opposed the operation.

The fisherman wished to retract.

He had even threatened, but his threats had procured him nothing but a shower of blows from the gentleman's cane, which fell upon his shoulders sharp and long.

Swearing and grumbling, he had recourse to the syndic of his brotherhood at Antibes, who administer justice among themselves and protect each other; but the gentleman had exhibited a certain paper, at sight of which the syndic, bowing to the very ground, enjoined obedience from the fisherman, and abused him for having been refractory.

They then departed with the freight.
"But all this does not tell us," said Athos, "how you injured your boat." "This is the way.