In the street of La Trouille, which took its name from the fortress built by the Emperor Constantine, dwelt a barber, who, to follow the mode of the barbers and bath-keepers of Paris, sold wine and entertained gamesters. Young men, sailors, merchants, and citizens of Arles, resorted to his shop--some to transact business; others to discuss matters of gallantry or pleasure; others, again, to seek dupes. Of a night, sounds of quarrel were often heard in the shop, to which the town-archers had more than once paid a visit. If a stranger staked his coin on a turn of the cards, or throw of the dice, it was no mere hazard that transferred his ducats to the pockets of the regular frequenters of the house. Seated upon a post, opposite to this honest establishment, John the Foundling watched each face that entered or came out. After some time, he saw approaching from afar the captain of the brigantine, with his flat turban and his great matchlock pistol. When the Turk reached the barber's door, John placed himself before him. "Sir stranger," said the boy, "did you not arrive here this morning from the East, on important business which concerns the Commander de Beaujeu?" "_Si_," replied the Turk; "but I may also say that it is business which concerns you not." "You mistake," said John; "it does concern me, and I come on purpose to speak to you about it." "'Tis possible," said the old captain; "_ma mi non voler, mi non poter, mi non aver tempo_." "Nevertheless," firmly retorted John, "you must find time to hear me. What I have to communicate to you is of the utmost importance." "Do me the pleasure _de andar al diable_!" cried the Turk, in his Franco-Italian jargon. "I am there already," replied the lad; "rest assured that I know who you are. I will not leave you till you have given me a hearing." The old Mussulman, who had hitherto averted his head to try to break off the conversation, at last raised his melancholy and aquiline countenance. With his yellow eyes he fixed an angry gaze upon the chorister, and said to him in a full strong voice:-- "Well, enter this shop with me. We will presently speak together."