The postman answered firmly:
"No, I can't, M'sieur le Maire."
Thereupon, Renardet, losing his head, caught hold of the postman's arms in order to take away his bag; but, freeing himself by a strong effort, and springing backwards, the letter carrier raised his big holly stick. Without losing his temper, he said emphatically:
"Don't touch me, M'sieur le Maire, or I'll strike. Take care, I'm only doing my duty!"
Feeling that he was lost, Renardet suddenly became humble, gentle, appealing to him like a crying child:
"Look here, look here, my friend, give me back that letter, and I'll recompense you—I'll give you money. Stop! Stop! I'll give you a hundred francs, you understand—a hundred francs!"
The postman turned on his heel and started on his journey.
Renardet followed him, out of breath, faltering:
"Mederic, Mederic, listen! I'll give you a thousand francs, you understand—a thousand francs."
The postman still went on without giving any answer.