The news seemed to interest but not to stagger Monsieur Bonticu. His smile was sad as he said:
"You are too late, Monsieur the apothecary and veterinarian. Two days ago I, also, became a father again."
Monsieur Pantan appeared to be about to burst, so terrible was his rage.
"But wait," he screamed, "but wait." And he rushed out.
Next day Monsieur Pantan and his seconds returned. The moustachios of the little man were on end with excitement and his eye was triumphant.
"We meet to-morrow at daybreak," he announced.
"Ah, that it were possible," sighed Monsieur Bonticu. "But the code forbids. As I said yesterday, Monsieur has a wife and a child, while I have a wife and children. I regret our inequality, but I cannot deny it."
"Spare your regrets, Monsieur," rejoined the small man. "I, too, have two children now."
"You?" Monsieur Bonticu stared, puzzled. "Yesterday you had but one. It cannot be, Monsieur."
"It can be," cried Monsieur Pantan. "Yesterday I adopted one!"