“Well, then, fifty pieces.”
“Say sixty pieces—thirty down, and I’ll promise you the best that can be had.”
“I am anxious to start, remember.”
“You shall have what you want by to-morrow.”
“Very well! I rely upon you to keep your word.”
Ali, as soon as he had the thirty pieces safe in his pocket, went downstairs, and entered the apartment of the knight of Machavoine. Porc-en-Truie was not asleep.
“I thought so,” said the innkeeper to himself; “here’s the sleeper as wide awake as a squirrel,” and he made as if he would go out again.
“Come in,” said the knight, “I have something to talk to you about.”
“I am all attention,” said Ali, bowing.
“I leave to-morrow!”