"And if you deceive us? If after the expeditions have been successfully carried out, you refuse to deliver the letter to us?"
"By the bowels of St. Quenet! And if, taking advantage of a moment when I may not be on my guard, you should stab me to-night, that you may seize the letter before rendering me the services which I expect of you? The risks are equal, and compensate each other. Enough of words!"
"Oh, Josephin, such a suspicion against me—me your old comrade in arms!"
"By the confession! To take us—us who have drunk out of the same pot, for capable of so unworthy an action!"
"God's blood! Night draws near. We shall need some time to prepare for the escalade," ejaculated the Franc-Taupin. "For the last time—yes or no?"
The two bandits consulted each other for a moment with their eyes. At the end of the consultation Pichrocholle reached out his hand to the Franc-Taupin, saying:
"Upon the word of a Mauvais-Garçon, and by the salvation of my soul—'tis done! You can count with me to the death."
"Upon the word of a Tire-Laine, and by the salvation of my soul—'tis done! You may dispose of me."
"To work!" ordered the Franc-Taupin.
Josephin left the tavern of the Black Grape accompanied by the two bandits.