"Yes, yes, I prefer to walk."
"But don't forget, my boys, to bring that coat and gray hat back to Madame Louchard."
"Don't you be afraid; we're just going to have a little fun with our hundred sous."
"Have all the fun you can, my boys. Good-day!"
"Say, Monsieur Cherami, you're satisfied with us, ain't you? We did what you wanted us to."
"Yes, my friends, I am very well satisfied.—But God preserve me from ever having you as seconds again!" added Cherami, as he drove away.
LV
CHERAMI CHANGES HIS TACTICS
On the day after the duel, Cherami, concealing under his coat the sword which had been loaned to him the day before, betook himself to the count's abode and asked the concierge how his master was. The concierge replied, with a profound sigh:
"Would you believe, monsieur, that, in spite of his years—for although monsieur le comte dresses like a young man, it's easy to see that he isn't one; his valet tells me he's past sixty—well, in spite of his years, he fought a duel yesterday."
"A man fights a duel when the occasion arises; there's no prescribed term for that."