“No, I do not. You have mentioned your wife. Well, if she is indiscreet you must take better care of her. I am not to blame, and why should I expose myself to death when I have accumulated a neat little sum to enjoy after working hard for eighteen months? No, indeed, I am not such a fool.”
“You coward! Heavens! what a craven you are!”
Firmin’s head drooped and he blushed. Then he rallied.
“But,” said he, “it would be no duel without witnesses.”
“I expected you would find some excuse,” said Barrau impatiently. “Perhaps you prefer a duel with swords. Schemer! You want to get away and then mock me. But that will not work. You must fight.”
“I say no. If I wounded you or killed you, I should be branded as an assassin. No, thanks.”
“Very well, then; I shall be obliged to kill you outright.”
Savin again raised his rifle, and Firmin was again terrified. Nightfall was not far off, and to be murdered in this ghostly spot was a horrible thought.
It was appallingly obvious to Firmin that he was in Barrau’s power. Nothing would prevent the latter from proving his innocence should he carry out his threat.
Approaching Firmin, Savin seized him by the collar and shook him violently.