There was a noisy squabble between some soldiers and civilians on the opposite side of the way, and a group of men in blouses were looking on. Barty stood leaning against a lamp‑post, and looked on too.
Suddenly a small soldier rushed at the blouses, brandishing his short straight sword (or coupe‑choux, as it is called in civilian slang), and saying:
"Ça ne vous regarde pas, savez‑vous! allez‑vous en bien vite, ou je vous...."
The blouses fled like sheep.
Then as he caught sight of Barty he reached at him.
"Ça ne vous regarde pas, savez‑vous!..."
(It doesn't concern you.)
"Non—c'est moi qui regarde, savez‑vous!" said Barty.
"Qu'est‑ce que vous regardez?"
"Je regarde la lune et les étoiles. Je regarde la comète!"