"Very well; you have exposed your life for me, and—"
"Exposed my life for you?" cried Falou. "I defended it, that was all. Would you like to see how the aristocrat went? Here!"
Falou drew out his sword and showed the blade, of which an inch and a half was broken off.
"You can see that my hand was not weak; but we are well cared for, captain, and I shall get another sword. But sell you a horse—I, Falou? Never! Never!"
And Falou had already reached the door, when the general spoke to him.
"Come here, my brave fellow."
Falou turned around, trembling with emotion, and saluted.
"You are a Franc-Comtois?"
"A little, general."