"Run away, Tom?" said Jean, in mild surprise. "Why should I do that?"
"Damned if I know," said Tom.
"You never saw me do it, did you, Tom?"
"No, damn you! Not yet."
"Not yet, Tom? Why do you say that?"
"Oh, be silent, Tom," broke in Pamphile. "Why all this talk? Don't you see that he is mocking you. Jean Baptiste Giroux, listen to me. We have certain requests which we desire to make."
"Requests, Pamphile?"
"Yes, requests. Demands, if you like."
"Demands? That is interesting. I am curious to know what they are."
"You shall know soon enough. Begin, Tom."