A number of men started up at this appeal.
The two bandits stood on the stairs with knives in their hands, and feet and hands ready to repel any one who attempted to ascend the stairs.
"Help! Murder!" shouted Aubé.
Women screamed, and clung to the arms of their husbands to prevent them from taking part in the contest. Others, less courageous, threw bottles and glasses at the scoundrels who promptly returned them.
In the meantime, Arthur had thrown Frederic on the floor. Fernando endeavored to separate them, but they were no more amenable to reason than if they had been wild beasts.
Pale and trembling, Francine leaned against the wall. Robeccal went to her.
"Mademoiselle," he said, "this is not my fault. Why did you come up here?"
"Why did I?" she repeated in agony.
"I got you into this trouble unintentionally, and now I must get you out!"
She did not distrust him, she was too good for that.