From distant Egypt tranquillizing messages came to meet them while they were sailing among the Grecian Islands with the prow toward Salonica.
On their return, they were to take freight to the harbor of Marseilles.
Ferragut did not have to bother about the boat while it was at anchor.
The French officials were the ones who made arrangements with the harbor authorities.

He merely had to be the justification for the flag, a captain of a neutral country, whose presence certified to the nationality of the vessel.

Only on the sea did he recover command, every one becoming obedient to those on the bridge.
He wandered through Marseilles as at other times, passing the first hours of the evening on the terraces of the _Cannebiere_.
An old Marseillaise, captain of a merchant steamer, used to chat with him before returning to his office.

One afternoon, while Ferragut was absent-mindedly glancing at a certain Paris daily that his friend was carrying, his attention was suddenly attracted by a name printed at the head of a short article.

Surprise made him turn pale while at the same time something contracted within his breast.