Montigny answered him behind his hand. "Aye. I know of half a dozen stout lads who would pilfer the king from his palace of the Louvre if they were paid well enough for the job," and he jerked his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of his carousing comrades. Thibaut nodded approval. He thrust some gold into Montigny's ready palm, whispered to him to meet him again to-morrow, and as Montigny rejoined his friends he turned to leave the tavern.
To his surprise he found himself confronted by Villon, who feigning intoxication barred his passage with an air of great hilarity. "You walk abroad late, honest soldier," he hiccoughed.
"That's my business," Thibaut answered, trying to pass, but Villon still delayed him.
"Don't be testy. Come and crack a bottle."
"I've had enough, and you've had more than enough," Thibaut growled.
"Go to bed!"
Villon's false good humour changed in a clap.
"You're a damned uncivil fellow, soldier, and don't know how to treat a gentleman when you see one."
Thibaut began to lose patience.
"Get out of the way!" he said, and gave Villon a little push with his open hand that made him stagger. Villon's voice rose to a yell.
"I will not get out of the way! How do I know you are an honest soldier? How do I know that you are a true man?"