Gentle and placid as Socrates on the point of quaffing the hemlock,
the intrepid Tarasconian had a word and a smile for each. He spoke
simply, with an affable mien; it looked as if, before departing, he
meant to leave behind him a wake of charms, regrets, and pleasant
memories. On hearing their leader speak in this way, all the
sportsmen felt tears well up, and some were stung with remorse, to
wit, Chief Judge Ladevese and the chemist Bezuquet. The railway
employees blubbered in the corners, whilst the outer public squinted
through the bars and bellowed: "Long live Tartarin!"

At length the bell rang. A dull rumble was heard, and a piercing
whistle shook the vault.

"The Marseilles express, gen'lemen!"

"Good-bye, Tartarin! Good luck, old fellow!"

"Good-bye to you all!" murmured the great man, as, with his arms
around the brave Commandant Bravida, he embraced his dear
native place collectively in him. Then he leaped out upon the
platform, and clambered into a carriage full of Parisian ladies, who
were ready to die with fright at sight of this stranger with so many
pistols and rifles.



XIV.
The Port of Marseilles -- "All aboard, all aboard!"