To be sure of this pleasure, he sent a special courier all the way to Folkestone, charged with a letter which he was himself to put into the hands of Mr.Webb, before the steamer left the dock.

"But how am I to know the gentleman ?" asked the courier; "I never saw him in my life." "N'importe," was the reply.

"Put the letter in the hand of the noblest-looking man on board, and you will be sure to be right." The courier followed the direction; and, stationing himself near the gangway, he took his master's measure of every passenger as he entered.

He could not be mistaken.

As soon as the plank was withdrawn, he approached Mr.
Webb, hat in hand, and, with a deferential word of recognition, done in the best grace of French politeness, handed him the letter.