Metris (stiffly). Sir, I serve the Emperor. You have heard my name.
Boutroux. I have heard your name, and now that you tell me that you serve the Emperor I am willing to believe that also. So it seems that we are enemies. I thought as much when you first showed out of the fog. It was not your uniform which gave me this opinion.
Metris. Then what is it?
Boutroux. It was your singular habit of commanding men who were not there.
Metris (in a boiling passion, which he restrains). I did not come here, sir, for a contest of words.
Boutroux (genially, putting up his sword). I take it you did not come here with any direct motive. You got here somehow, just as I did, and neither of us knows why.
Metris (in extreme anger). But you will know why very soon, sir! And I hope I shall know why, too! Sir, I call upon you to draw!
Boutroux (seating himself back in the saddle with great ease while his horse munches the wet grass). Now, there you are. I have been a soldier only these few weeks, and I thought I had got hold of all the muddlement there was; "lines" which aren't lines, and "positions strongly held" which anybody can walk round for fun; and communications "cut," when, as a fact, one could go right along them on horseback, and "destructive fire" that hits nobody, and "excellent morale" when one's men are on the point of hitting one on the nose. But if you will allow me, sir, you positively take the prize in the matter! You suggest the duello or some such phantasy. Do you want us to fight with these cavalry swords from the saddle?
Metris. I do not know if you are trying to gain time, sir. I suggest that you should meet me on foot here and now.
Boutroux. What! and lose my horse?