Well, I wish they were educated enough to tell a man a direction that

goes some where--for we've been going around in a circle for an hour.

I've passed this same old drugstore seven times."

We said it was a low, disreputable falsehood (but we knew it was not).

It was plain that it would not do to pass that drugstore again, though

--we might go on asking directions, but we must cease from following

finger-pointings if we hoped to check the suspicions of the disaffected

member.

A long walk through smooth, asphaltum-paved streets bordered by blocks of

vast new mercantile houses of cream-colored stone every house and every

block precisely like all the other houses and all the other blocks for a

mile, and all brilliantly lighted--brought us at last to the principal

thoroughfare. On every hand were bright colors, flashing constellations

of gas burners, gaily dressed men and women thronging the sidewalks

--hurry, life, activity, cheerfulness, conversation, and laughter

everywhere! We found the Grand Hotel du Louvre et de la Paix, and wrote

down who we were, where we were born, what our occupations were, the

place we came from last, whether we were married or single, how we liked

it, how old we were, where we were bound for and when we expected to get

there, and a great deal of information of similar importance--all for the

benefit of the landlord and the secret police. We hired a guide and

began the business of sightseeing immediately. That first night on

French soil was a stirring one. I cannot think of half the places we

111

The Innocents Abroad