“A thousand devils!—and disorganised, I’ll swear; no fire in the kitchen, no food in the larder.”
“Monsieur is in error. I go at once to serve the first monsieur of our best.”
“The first—sacré! is that also forestalled? But who is this first?”
“The same as monsieur.”
“And dost thou know who I am?”
“Alas, monsieur! You come and go, and you are all great and imperious. But I would not with a word offend monsieur.”
“Listen, girl.” (A crowd stood about. He spoke for the benefit of all.) “I am a high officer of the Republic, en mission to rout out the disaffected and to enforce the law. Go, and say to this citizen that, with his permission, I will join him.”
Our rogues were unstrapping the footpad from the horse as he spoke. As they tumbled him, half silly with his jolting and with the blows he had received, upon his feet, the aubergiste gave a faint cry. Crépin caught her as she retreated, and twisted her about once more.
“You know this Chevalier de la Coupe?”
“Monsieur, I—how can I say? So many drink wine with us.”