"All right, he shall have that."
"But how many men will be killed by us?" said the farmer, no doubt fearing that he had not the right usurped by generals, kings and emperors, those who take out licenses to kill and maim.
"Rubbish," said Gonchon; "there are too many, since we have not enough for half the population. Is not that about the size of it, boys?" he asked of the bystanders.
"Yes, yes," was the reply in sublime abnegation.
"But the moat?" queried Billet.
"It need be filled up in only one place," responded the beggar's leader: "and I calculate that we could choke it up altogether, eh, lads?"
The friends answered unanimously in the affirmative.
"Have it so," said Billet, overpowered.
At this moment, Launay appeared on a terrace, followed by Major Losme and two or three other officers.
"Commence," shouted Gonchon.