“They were the last he had!”
Chamoureau, who had seen only the end of the episode, and who was excessively annoyed to be called by his true name before his guests, ran from one to another, saying:
“Why, what has happened here? How did all this come about? Has there been a quarrel?”
“Better than that! The stout gentleman yonder was struck.”
“Struck! by whom? Freluchon?”
“No, by his friend—the young man who was playing écarté with the baron.”
Chamoureau thereupon bustled up to the former wine merchant, who was feeling his ribs.
“What’s this I hear? Edmond Didier struck you?”
“Yes, monsieur! but he shall pay me dear for it; that blow will cost him his life!”