"Monsieur," I said, "let us stop. Will you or will you not give me the powder in your magazine for a thousand francs, which I have here with me?"
"Monsieur, it is impossible; there is twelve thousand francs' worth of powder."
"Then will you take my thousand francs on account and accept a draft for the remainder on the Provisional Government?"
"Monsieur, we are forbidden to sell on credit."
"Then will you give me the excise powder for nothing? It is Government powder, which is as much as to say it belongs to me, since I hold a Government order to take it and you hold none for keeping it."
"Monsieur, I would have you take notice..
"Yes or no?"
"Monsieur, you are at liberty to take it, but I would have you know that you must be answerable for it to the Government."
"Oh, monsieur, why didn't you tell me that at first and so have ended our discussion long ago!"