"The simplest thing in the world. Each one has bargained for the horse which suits him. Each one has offered a price, to which the vendor replies by another. I arrive, give to each twenty-five or thirty louis. Every one pays for his horse, has it saddled, mounts, slips into the holsters the pistols which he has in his belt, and, by a different route, arrives at a given place in the Bois de Vincennes at four o'clock. Then only I explain to them for what they are wanted. I again distribute money, put myself at the head of my squadron, and go to the work—supposing that you and I agree on the conditions."
"Well, these conditions, captain," said D'Harmental, "let us discuss them, and I think I have arranged so that you will be satisfied with what I have to offer you."
"Let us hear them," said Roquefinette, sitting down by the table.
"First, double the sum you received last time," said the chevalier.
"Ah!" said Roquefinette, "I do not care for money."
"What! you do not care for money, captain?"—"Not the least in the world."
"What do you care for, then?"
"A position."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, chevalier, that every day I am four-and-twenty hours older, and that with age comes philosophy."