"Oh! I say, what humbug!"
This dialogue, as will be easily understood, took place in an undertone, whilst the quarter-master, who was to conduct the young men to the colonel's house, was preparing his military toilet. He returned and got into the carriage, which set off at full trot till it reached the colonel's house. At the gate, Charras, like the conscientious man he was, handed one of the pistols to Lothon.
"Good!" said Lothon, "thanks.... Give me the other one too now."
"What for?"
"To see if they are in good order and have not lost their primings.... Anyhow, come, give it me."
"Here it is."
"Now get out.... You can see the quarter-master is waiting for you."
Charras leapt down from the carriage, and they went upstairs to the first floor. At the door Charras turned round towards Lothon.
"What about the pistol?"