"My friends and I have drunk the contents of all these bottles since dinner." Tantaine raised his shabby hat at this semi-introduction, and the two roughs bowed smoothly.

They were not entirely satisfied with the appearance of the new-comer, and thought that this would be a good moment for taking leave of their host.

The waltz had just concluded, and the master of the ceremonies was repeating his eternal refrain of--"Take your places, ladies and gentlemen;" and taking advantage of the noise, Toto's friends shook hands with their host and adroitly mixed with the crowd.
"Good fellows! jolly fellows;" muttered Toto, striving to catch a last glimpse of them.
Tantaine gave a low, derisive whistle.

"My lad," said he, "you keep execrable company, and one day you will repent it." "I can look after myself, sir." "Do as you like, my lad; it is no business of mine.

But, take my word for it, you will come to grief some day.