صفحة 215 من 416

Immediately the business was finished, Code and Pete Ellinwood

started back to the wharf.

The main street was ablaze with lights. Cafes, saloons, music

halls, catch-penny places--in fact, every device known to

separate sailors from their wages was in operation. The sidewalks

were crowded with men, jabbering madly in the different dialects

of their home provinces (for many come here from France yearly).

"Queer lot, these frog-eaters," said Pete, going into the street

so as to avoid a thick, pushing crowd.

"Yes, they would come to a knifing over a count of fish and yet

give their schooners to a friend in trouble. Too bad they ain't

better fishermen."

"Yeah, ain't it."

Among Canadians and Americans the Frenchmen are held in contempt

on account of their hooks, which are of soft metal and can be

rebent and used again. The fish often get away with them,

however, and these hidden hooks slit many a finger in dressing

down.