"Good! well, Michel, have you any good clothes?"
"Dame! I should say so; my new frock-coat—only three years old—which comes down to my heels."
"Then I'll make an old soldier of you. You must put on a black stock. Go and dress. Put your cask in a safe place, and come back at once with your man, whom I will dress. Be here at half-past nine, and I will tell you what you have to do; it will be very simple. You will agree to whatever is proposed by the men who come here."
"We will agree, if they'll pay for something to drink."
"There's no question of taking anything to drink. However, I shall be here; I'll prompt you. Go, and make haste."
"And the five francs?"
"Here they are; I pay in advance; you see that I have confidence in you."
"Oh! never fear; our word's sacred.—Come, Piedmontese. Let's go and take care of the cask."
"Where'll you put it?"
"In the next yard."