And, without further reflection, seizing his adversary by the throat, he threw him over on the table, holding him down with his knee.
“I am sure he must have the letter about him,” he said to the people who surrounded him.
And in fact he did take from the side-pocket of the villain a letter, which he unfolded, and commenced reading aloud,
“I am waiting for you, my dear major, come quick, for the thing is pressing,—a troublesome gentleman who is to be made to keep quiet. It will be for you the matter of a sword-thrust, and for us the occasion to divide a round amount.”
“And, that’s why he picked a quarrel with me,” added M. de Tregars.
Two waiters had taken hold of the villain, who was struggling furiously, and wanted to surrender him to the police.
“What’s the use?” said Marius. “I have his letter: that’s enough. The police will find him when they want him.”
And, getting back into his cab,
“Rue St. Gilles,” he ordered, “and lively, if possible.”