“I will go and challenge Martial now, on the instant, in the presence of the revellers,” he exclaimed.
But Jean interrupted him.
“No, not that! They are cowards; they would arrest you. Write; I will be the bearer of the letter.”
Corporal Bavois heard them; but he did not oppose their folly. He thought it all perfectly natural, under the circumstances, and esteemed them the more for their rashness.
Forgetful of prudence they entered the first shop, and the challenge was written and confided to Jean Lacheneur.
CHAPTER XXXVIII
To disturb the merrymaking at the Chateau de Sairmeuse; to change the joy of the bridal-day into sadness; to cast a gloom over the nuptials of Martial and Mlle. Blanche de Courtornieu.
This, in truth, was all that Jean Lacheneur hoped to do.
As for believing that Martial, triumphant and happy, would accept the challenge of Maurice, a miserable outlaw, he did not believe it.