Marching purposely toward them, looking Javogues disdainfully in countenance, came Goursac. So implacable were the glances the two enemies exchanged that they seemed to clash midway in the air. Arrived within ten feet of the group, Goursac turned curtly on his heel and departed toward the bakery without having recognized them by word or nod. The Tapedures cursed; Javogues, following him with his glance, muttered:
"Sacré! Girondin, wait a little longer!"
Several women passed, among them Nicole, who received a friendly greeting from Javogues, Boudgoust commenting:
"Fine woman that, Cramoisin, for all you say!"
Cramoisin scowled for an answer, following the girl with a glance of implacable hatred.
"Eh, yes," Jambony added, sinking his voice. "As for me, if it weren't for Javogues I'd not keep her long chained up to that cursed Barabant."
"Barabant," growled Boudgoust, "is an indulgent. He is forever talking of mercy."
"He who speaks of mercy in these days," cried Cramoisin, purposely raising his voice, "is in league with aristocrats. He should be denounced."
Javogues turned angrily: