As the clock struck one, a French guard entered, and stopping at the threshold, murmured, "Rue des Bourdonnais, Muids d'Amour, in the common room, to sit at the table on the left, and wait."
Then, in accordance with this, the worthy defender of his country, whistling a tune and twirling his mustache, seated himself at the place indicated.
Scarcely had he had time to seat himself and strike his fist on the table, which, in the language of all taverns, means "Some wine," than a second guard, dressed exactly like the first, appeared at the door, murmured some words, and, after a little hesitation, seated himself by the other.
The two soldiers looked at each other, and both exclaimed:
"Ah!" which in all languages means surprise.
"It is you, Grippart," said one.
"It is you, L'Eulevant," said the other.
"What are you doing in this tavern?"
"And you?"
"I do not know."