“And I tell you that is impossible.”
“And yet——”
“Go back!”
“Do you require the word?”
“I have no account to render to you. Stand back!”
And this time the soldier accompanied his word with a threatening gesture; but the unknown stirred no more than if his feet had taken root.
“Monsieur le mousquetaire,” said he, “are you a gentleman?”
“I have that honor.”
“Very well! I also am one, and between gentlemen some consideration ought to be observed.”
The soldier lowered his arms, overcome by the dignity with which these words were pronounced.