"And be quick about it," cried a second threateningly. "Those Russians may be back at any moment."
"Is this a jest?" asked a third with a menacing gesture.
"It would be ill-done to joke with men as hungry as you are, I take it," answered Marteau.
"Hurry, then," cried a fourth.
"In good time, my friends. First, a word with you. What are you going to do with those two prisoners?"
"Knock the men in the head, I told you," answered the leader.
"And the woman?"
"We are trying to settle who should have her—first."
"It's a pity there's only one, still——" began another.
"I'll make a bargain with you, then," interrupted Marteau quickly, fingering his weapon while he spoke. "Food and drink in plenty for you, the woman for me."