The fellow, too, was more than ordinarily dense, and a tempestuous scene was plainly but a matter of a minute or so, when a tall ensign of the guard rose from a neighbouring table, and, lifting his hat, addressed the Englishmen in their own language.

"Pardon, gentlemen, but I cannot help overhearing your difficulty; and think, with your leave, I may remove it." Captain Barker scowled for a moment, and seemed about to take deeper umbrage.

But the tall young man seemed quite unconscious of this, and smiled down with the serenest good will.
"Do not say no.

I have been in England, and I love all men of your country." "Jack," growled Captain Runacles, "this is one of a new generation of Dutchmen.

We are getting old, my boy." The young man's manner was so sincere that Captain Barker gave way with a fair grace--the more readily because there was something in the amiable face which recalled his lost Tristram.