Sylvestre Ker felt his heart die away within him.
Meanwhile, Josserande prayed earnestly for Sylvestre Ker.
"Never mind," continued Bihan; "it is worth while limping and squinting for a time to win all the money in the world."
"That is true; but for how long?"
Sylvestre Ker held his breath to hear the better.
"As long as you please," answered Pol Bihan.
There was a pause, after which the gay Matheline resumed in a lower tone,—
"But ... they say after a murder one can never laugh, and I wish to laugh always...."
"Will I not be there?" replied Bihan. "Some time or other the idiot will certainly seek a quarrel with me, and I will crack his bones by only squeezing him in my arms; you can count upon my strength."
"I have heard enough," said Sylvestre Ker to Satan.