For the last fortnight Gaud's little confidant, Sylvestre, had beenquartered in Brest; very much out of his element, but very quiet andobedient to discipline. He wore his open blue sailor-collar and red-balled, flat, woollen cap, with a frank, fearless look, and was nobleand dignified in his sailor garb, with his free step and tall figure,but at the bottom of his heart he was still the same innocent boy asever, and thinking of his dear old grandam.

　　One ev............