Volume VIII Part 24 (2/2)

”Indeed! Which of thereat friend of the Chairman of the Board”

”Oh! Do you know him?”

”Yes And I wanted to ask hio over every part of the _Lorraine_ as soon as she co can be easier”

Then Jean see his words, and to want to lead up to a difficult subject He went on:

”On the whole, life is very endurable on board those great Transatlantic liners More than half the time is spent on shore in two splendid cities--New York and Havre; and the rehtful company In fact, very pleasant acquaintances are soers, and very useful in after-life--yes, really very useful Only think, the captain, with his perquisites on coal, can make as much as twenty-five thousand francs a year or more”

Roland muttered an oath followed by a whistle, which testified to his deep respect both for the sum and the captain

Jean went on:

”The purser makes as much as ten thousand, and the doctor has a fixed salary of five thousand, with lodgings, keep, light, firing, service, and everything, which ood pay”

Pierre, raising his eyes, met his brother's and understood

Then, after soet a place as medical man on board a Transatlantic liner?”

”Yes--and no It all depends on circu pause; then the doctor began again

”Next month, you say, the _Lorraine_ is to sail?”

”Yes On the 7th”

And they said noIt certainly would be a way out of many difficulties if he could embark as medical officer on board the steaive it up

Meanwhile he would be gaining a living, and asking for nothing from his parents Only two days since he had been forced to sell his watch, for he would no longer hold out his hand to beg of histo enable him to eat the bread of any house but this which had become uninhabitable, or sleep in any other bed, or under any other roof He presently said with soladly sail in her”

Jean asked: