“I am quite unknown,” I answered.

He thought for an instant, and then continued:

“There is a regiment quartered at Pontorson, and I have acquaintances among the officers. If agreeable to you, we will drive over there; we shall find gentlemen ready to assist us.”

“You are determined to fight?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said, with a snap of his lips. “Have we not matters enough and to spare to fight about?”

“I can’t of course deny that you have a pretext.”

“And I, Mr. Aycon, know that I have also a cause. Will this morning suit you?”

“It is hard on two now.”

“Precisely. We have time for a little rest; then I will order the carriage and we will drive together to Pontorson.”

“You mean that I should stay in your house?”