"No," replied the sailor coolly, "go to the devil! Away—do not touch my money; I can skin you!"
"Ah, that we shall soon see," loudly exclaimed the Provencal, and putting his hand in his pocket he produced a large knife. At the same time he uttered a few words to his comrades in their own jargon, and immediately the sailor was surrounded by a dozen men whose hands were armed with glittering knives.
The Englishman seemed, however, not in the least affected; he put the money all in one heap, and placing himself with his back toward the wall, he crossed his arms over his chest, and asked, scornfully:
"What do you mean to do? Are you really ready to murder me?"
"Keep your peace, braggart! You wish to entice us with your money. Give us half of it, or you will not fare very well here. Well, are you willing to divide?"
"I don't know about that. If anybody in my part of the country says 'I will,' then he must prove that he is also able."
"What does this all mean? Do you think of defying us?"
"I am ready for you. Just come on, if you think proper!"
"Stand back, comrades!" exclaimed the Provencal, "I will teach him something better. Just wait, John Bull, you will soon know me; I'll get the best of you, and then we will divide the spoils."