“To close the valve.”
“You’d better!” cried Doctor Ox. “If you attempt it, I’ll throttle you!”
CHAPTER XIII.
IN WHICH IT IS ONCE MORE PROVED THAT BY TAKING HIGH GROUND ALL HUMAN LITTLENESSES MAY BE OVERLOOKED.
“You say?” asked the Burgomaster Van Tricasse of the Counsellor Niklausse.
“I say that this war is necessary,” replied Niklausse, firmly, “and that the time has come to avenge this insult.”
“Well, I repeat to you,” replied the burgomaster, tartly, “that if the people of Quiquendone do not profit by this occasion to vindicate their rights, they will be unworthy of their name.”
“And as for me, I maintain that we ought, without delay, to collect our forces and lead them to the front.”
“Really, monsieur, really!” replied Van Tricasse. “And do you speak thus to me?”
“To yourself, monsieur the burgomaster; and you shall hear the truth, unwelcome as it may be.”
“And you shall hear it yourself, counsellor,” returned Van Tricasse in a passion, “for it will come better from my mouth than from yours! Yes, monsieur, yes, any delay would be dishonourable. The town of Quiquendone has waited nine hundred years for the moment to take its revenge, and whatever you may say, whether it pleases you or not, we shall march upon the enemy.”