"Monsieur," the Captain said harshly, commanding silence by the gravity of his tone--"if you please!"
"Yes."
"Then, to be plain, I do not believe any more in your brigands than in M. l'Avoué's theories."
This time it was the grocer's turn to scream. "What?" he cried. "When they have been seen at Figeac, and Cajarc, and Rodez, and----
"By whom?" the soldier asked sharply, interrupting him.
"By hundreds."
"Name one."
"But it is notorious!"
"Yes, Monsieur--it is a notorious lie!" M. le Capitaine answered bluntly. "Believe me, the brigands with whom we have to deal are nearer home. Allow us to arrange with them first, and do not deafen M. le Vicomte with your chattering."
"Hear! hear!" the lawyer cried.