“And I demand satisfaction,” added Beausire.
“Oh, I am no fighter.”
“So I see,” said Beausire, seizing hold of him.
“Help! help!” cried the valet, attacked at once by both of them. But just then they heard a bell ring.
“Leave him, and let him open the door,” said Manoël.
“Our comrades shall hear all this,” replied the valet.
“Tell them what you please; we will answer for our conduct.”
“M. Bœhmer!” cried the porter from below.
“Well, we shall have no more contests about the 100,000 francs,” said Manoël; “for they will disappear with M. Bœhmer.”
M. Bœhmer entered, followed by Bossange. Both looked humble and embarrassed. Bœhmer began, and explained that political reasons would prevent their fulfilling their contract.