Pitts had put the water into the half-casks, and lowered them into the run. They did not leak now. The velvet cushions were placed on the seats, and the awning stretched out for the protection of the passengers. The standing-room was just a pattern for them. Captain Scott took the wheel, and in five minutes the little steamer was alongside the wharf, for it was not more than three cables' length from the ship. The party divided into groups according to their own fancies. The two fat men were in sympathy, and went together. As usual, Captain Ringgold was the escort of Mrs. Belgrave; the professor took charge of Mrs. Blossom; Louis placed himself at the side of Miss Blanche, and the other three of the big four went by themselves. "This is nothing but a French town, Miss Blanche," said Louis to his companion, after they had walked a short distance. "It looks like many others I have seen." "I suppose you could talk with these French people, Mr. Belgrave," added the young lady. "I could; couldn't you?" "I am sure I could not. I have studied French in Switzerland and in New York, but I cannot speak it yet." "I am afraid you don't practise it enough, Miss Blanche." "I don't practise it at all out of school, for I have no one to talk with. Morris can't speak French any more than I can, and mamma has forgotten all she ever knew." Louis spoke to her in French, and she replied to him in the same language. With a little assistance over hard places she got along very well, and declared that she was delighted with the exercise, which she should be glad to repeat every day. CHAPTER XXXIV ORIENTAL VIEWS IN ALGIERS The party from the Guardian-Mother continued their walk towards the upper town till they came to a large square, which was laid out with lime and orange trees, and surrounded by the best buildings in the town, which were in European style. Captain Ringgold found a hotel there of considerable size, which he entered, and presently returned with a guide who spoke English and Arabic. "This is the Place Royale," replied this man in answer to a question. "You have all sorts of people here," said the commander. "Are there many English here?" "Very few English and Americans; only once in a while one who comes to look at the city." "Most of the nations seem to be represented here." "Arabs, Moors, Jews, French, Spaniards, Germans, Italians, Maltese, and Turks," added the guide. "That street is Bab-el Ouad, and a little farther is Bab-azoun, two of the best streets in the city; and they are very fine." "They are built like the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, with colonnades on each side; but they are very narrow, like the streets of most Spanish and Oriental cities. Bab means street, I take it," said the captain, as the party stopped to look down the first of the two streets. "When the sun is hot that would be a very comfortable place to walk."