Squirm he did, and the open smile only made it worse. "You could try the docks if you can lift heavy things." He doubted it, both the lifting and whether there would be work for him there. But if he had given the kid some advice, he could say he had helped him and ease his conscience.

The barman gestured him over and he picked up the drinks, paid, and returned. "Or you could write your ad in French, as your employer would need to speak it anyway," as he handed the young man one of the glasses.

He made no move to sit down somewhere. He preferred to talk to the kid standing, casually. His eyes passed over the patrons to see if anyone was still paying attention to them.

God, no.