Guillaume, touched by Salvat's dire want, had arranged to give him a few days' employment.

And this explained the air of interest with which he now seemed to be questioning him, while the engineer, whom the meeting disturbed, stamped about as if eager to resume his mournful ramble.

For a moment Guillaume appeared to notice the other's perturbation, by the embarrassed answers which he obtained from him.

Still, they at last parted as if each were going his way.

Then, however, almost immediately, Guillaume turned round again and watched the other, as with harassed stubborn mien he went off through the crowd.