She is to make her first trip next month." Roland was amazed.
"So soon?
I thought she was not to be ready for sea this summer." "Yes.

The work has been pushed forward very vigorously, to get her through her first voyage before the autumn.

I looked in at the Company's office this morning, and was talking to one of the directors." "Indeed! Which of them ?" "M.

Marchand, who is a great friend of the Chairman of the Board." "Oh! Do you know him ?" "Yes.

And I wanted to ask him a favour." "Then you will get me leave to go over every part of the Lorraine as soon as she comes into port ?" "To be sure; nothing could be easier." Then Jean seemed to hesitate, to be weighing his words, and to want to lead up to a difficult subject.