I was much surprised, for he looked very grave. The peasants behind called out:
"We have no time to lose. Make haste, Moses!"
But I paid no attention. In the passage Burguet said to me:
"I have just come from the mayoralty, where they are busy in making out a report to the prefect in regard to the state of feeling among our population, and I accidentally heard that they are going to send Sergeant Trubert to your house."
This was indeed a blow for me. I exclaimed:
"I don't want him! I don't want him! I have lodged six men in the last fortnight, and it isn't my turn."
He answered:
"Be quiet, and don't talk so loud. You will only make the matter worse."
I repeated:
"Never, never shall this sergeant enter my house! It is abominable! A quiet man like myself, who has never harmed any one, and who asks nothing but peace!"