Suddenly a new personage, whose approach neither of them had observed or heard, appeared on the scene and put an end to the contest by releasing Miretta from the chevalier's grasp.
The new-comer wore the costume of a citizen of the middle class; his chin was cleanly shaven.
The girl had no sooner glanced at him than her face regained its serenity; and she hastened to take her place by his side, while the unknown said to the Gascon:
"How now, my master! Do you propose to make this young girl go with you against her will? For a chevalier who wears a helmet and sword, that is hardly chivalrous."
"Eh! where in the devil did this fellow spring from? I neither heard nor saw him coming. Do me the favor to go your way, my dear fellow; this young shepherdess is in my company, and we do not require your interference in our affairs."
"But it seemed to me that you were hardly in accord, and I always protect the ladies.—Tell me, my lovely child, did not this gentleman try to make you take a road which you did not wish to take?"
"He did indeed, monsieur; for I wished to go to the Pont-aux-Choux, and I am sure that he was not taking me there!"
"Oh, no! by no means! He was taking you to the Place aux Chats, to the Hôtel du Sanglier; a most excellent hotel, i' faith! of which he proposed to do the honors for you, I doubt not."
"Sandioux! it seems that you know me! But whoever you are, I forbid you to take this girl's arm! Back, instantly!"
Passedix tried to push away the stranger, who had already taken the girl's arm in his; but with his free hand the soi-disant bourgeois seized the Gascon's wrist and pressed it with his fingers with such force that he cried: