Cherami pushed the water-carrier and his man into the cab, and shouted to the driver to take them to Porte Saint-Mandé; then, taking a seat beside his seconds, he said to them:
"Listen carefully to my instructions for this morning, and, ten thousand cigars! try not to make any mistakes; I am going to fight with a third gentleman, whom you didn't see yesterday."
"Ah! you ought to fight with your fists; that's our way; we're good hands at it; eh, Piedmontese?"
"Yes, just let me get a crack at 'em! I'd like that better than to stand and say nothing, like a stuffed goose!"
"Nevertheless, you must make up your mind to that, my boy. I didn't bring you with me to fight, but to be my seconds. I am to fight with a sword. You will simply measure the two swords, to make sure that they're of the same length."
"What with? I didn't bring a rule."
"You measure two swords by putting them side by side. It's simple enough."
"And must I say again: 'Very well; we agree'?"
"No, there's no need of it. You must say: 'Everything is ready, let them proceed.' If I am wounded, you will bring me back to this cab, which will wait for us, and take me home. If it's the other who is wounded,—and it will be,—you will help his seconds to take him to his carriage. Do you understand?"
"That's all right."