how soon his vehicle will set out, and shortly after become aware that half a dozen people are keeping us under sur- veillance. If we show a disposition to move away, some one reminds us that the omnibus is about to go, though it evidently has no thought of such a thing, or we are de- tained by an inquiry, "You are going to Narbonne, is it not, Messieurs?" It is a bit mystifying at first, but ere long we learn the secret. There is competition. Each of the rivals has allies and scouts. Our first inquiry pledged us to go by that line, and now we shall be guarded till we enter the car. But we had no intention of backsliding. Our choice had been made with deliberation and was wholly satis- factory. Perhaps our 'bus was not painted quite so smartly as the other, but the personnel was beyond com- parison. First, there was a handsome young fellow at the front with a blue blouse, an artist's cap--big and loppy--and a cigarette. Beside him stood another hand- some young fellow, with a blue blouse, an artist's cap-- big and loppy--and a cigarette. The first one was our charioteer and guided the three steeds, harnessed abreast. -207- |