“What you have done last night—drink, laugh, sing, and, by way of work, exercise themselves privately in the use of arms.’
“Who will bring these workmen here?”
“Some one has already spoken to them. They have had printed papers, reproaching them with indifference to their brothers. Come, will you support me?”
“I’ll support you—the more readily as I cannot very well support myself. I only cared for Cephyse in the world; I know that I am on a bad road; you are pushing me on further; let the ball roll!—Whether we go to the devil one way or the other is not of much consequence. Let’s drink.”
“Drink to our next night’s fun; the last was only apprenticeship.”
“Of what then are you made? I looked at you, and never saw you either blush or smile, or change countenance. You are like a man of iron.”
“I am not a lad of fifteen. It would take something more to make me laugh. I shall laugh to-night.”
“I don’t know if it’s the brandy; but, devil take me, if you don’t frighten me when you say you shall laugh tonight!”
So saying, the young man rose, staggering; he began to be once more intoxicated.
There was a knock at the door. “Come in!” The host made his appearance.