( 40 )
Strap's return interrupted my reverie. He informed me that his (illegible text) had spoke in my behalf to a French apothecary who wanted a journeyman and that on his recommendation I might have fifteen pounds a year, bed and board, whenever I pleased. Jumping up I insisted on Strap's accompanying me immediately to the house of his friend that I might not lose the opportunity through the least delay. We were informed his friend and the apothecary were in company at a public-house hard by. The apothecary, having eyed me some time, said Oho, very well Mons. Concordance; young man you, are ver welcome, take one cup of bierre, and come to mine house tomorrow morning. Upon this I made my bow and went out of the room. As I had by my application, while I served Crab, acquired the French tongue well enough to read authors written in that language, and understand anything that occured in conversation. I determined to pretend ignorance to my new master that he and his family whom I supposed to be of the same country not being on the reserve before me might possibly discover something in discourse, which (illegible text) either yield me amusement or advantage.
