"You say that your sister wants to make inquiries about a husband there, and that you are taking her down, and you also say that you are a sailor." "Yes." "Then, I should think that the best thing for you would be to dress yourself as a sailor again.

It will seem more natural than for you to be in that civilian dress.

I can go with you, and say that you were strongly recommended to me by the maire's adjoint at Arthenay, and that your papers are all en regle.

If he asks why you did not have your papers made out in the first place to Havre, say that you had hoped to have been joined by your brother-in-law here; but as he has not arrived your sister is anxious about him, and wishes therefore to go on to Havre, which indeed he has requested her to do, as it was uncertain whether he would be able to leave his ship.
"I know, of course, that it is all right, or my cousin would not have recommended you so strongly to me; but in these days everyone is suspicious, and one cannot be too cautious.

I will get one of the market authorities to go up with me.