"Why, yes, monsieur, well enough; but what then?" observed that official, drawing himself up.
"Don't swell out so much, Monsieur le Capitaine," said Canolles, "or you will burst off the last button, and your breeches will fall down about your heels, which would be most disgraceful."
"But who are you, monsieur?" demanded the pretended captain, taking his turn at asking questions.
"Monsieur, I will follow the example of urbanity set by you, and will answer your question as you answered mine. I am captain in the regiment of Navailles, and I come hither in the king's name as his ambassador, clothed with powers—which will be exerted in a peaceful or violent manner, according as his Majesty's commands are or are not obeyed."
"Violent!" cried the pretended captain. "In a violent manner?"
"Very violent, I give you warning."
"Even where her Highness is personally concerned?"
"Why not? Her Highness is his Majesty's first subject, nothing more."
"Monsieur, do not resort to force; I have fifty men-at-arms ready to avenge her Highness's honor."
Canolles did not choose to tell him that his fifty men-at-arms were simply footmen and scullions, fit troops to serve under such a leader, and that, so far as the princess's honor was concerned, it was at that moment riding along the Bordeaux road with the princess.