"Yes, sir, and very advantageous propositions too," the merchant said in an insinuating tone.
"For you possibly, sir, who sell calico and false jewellery, but I hardly think so for me."
"Still, if you would permit me to fulfil my mission, and tell you these conditions, it is possible——"
"What do you say? Why, my good sir, I want nothing better. Acquit yourself of your mission—that is only too proper; still, make haste, for I am pressed for time."
M. Thollus drew himself up, and after consulting for a moment with his companion, he continued his speech, Don Louis standing coldly and like a rock of granite before him.
"Monsieur le comte, Don Flavio Agustado, Prefect of Hermosillo, whom I have the honour to represent——"
"That is all settled. Come to the fact," Don Louis interrupted him impatiently.
"Offers you, if you consent to retire with your army without making an attempt on the city," the negotiator continued—"offers you, I say, the sum of——"
"Enough, sir!" the count exclaimed, red with indignation; "a word more would be an insult which, in spite of your quality as a flag of truce, I might not have the patience to let pass unpunished. And it is you, sir, a man who calls himself a Frenchman, who dares to become the bearer of such dishonouring conditions? You lie, you are not my countryman—I disown you as such."
"Still, monsieur le comte——" the poor fellow stammered, completely taken aback by this galling reprimand, and not knowing how to look.