"I couldn't wear it! that's a good one, that is! On the contrary, it fits me like an angel; while you don't need it, for you have a cap on your head."
"Why should my cap prevent me from wearing it, fool that you are?"
"Do you mean to say that you would put it on over your cap? That would look very pretty! At all events, it's my property."
"Hold your tongue, you little thief! just let me find it and I'll punish you with it!"
The two worthies who had had this altercation, being still on all fours, were about to rush at each other like two frantic cats, when a third personage appeared on the scene, laughing and singing. It was Bahuchet, with long Roland in his hand, twirling his comrade's cap at the end of the blade.
"I say! you fellows! here's a find! the cap is mine, and the sword is mine!"
At sight of the objects they were seeking, Passedix and Plumard rose spontaneously and pounced upon them. The former seized his sword, the latter his cap, which he pulled over his eyes, and ran away at full speed. The chevalier replaced Roland in its sheath, and then he strode rapidly away.
Bahuchet, left alone in the square, looked after them and said to himself:
"Well! they are very polite! they did not so much as thank me!"