"Yes, but suppose he does fight?"
"If he fights, there is nothing more to say; you risk only a ball or a sword-thrust. But if he doesn't, you risk having your head cut off, and that is what I wish to prevent."
"How?"
"By taking you with me to the barracks of the volunteers of Paris: he won't come after you there, I warrant."
"Hide? Never."
"Tush! My little friend," said the sergeant-major, "don't say such things before Pierre Augereau, whose courage cannot be questioned. No, you will not hide, you will simply wait there. That's all."
"What shall I wait for?"
"Citizen Tétrell's seconds."
"His seconds? He will send them here, and I won't know that they have come, since I won't be here."
"And little Charles? He runs no danger, and what was he put on earth for except to bring us word of what happens? Heavens! what a hard customer you are, and what difficulties you put in a fellow's way."