I could not see his face, but I felt that it was red to bursting.
"When you have done laughing, idiot!" he cried.
But the helmet swayed so oddly on his shoulders, his voice came from out it in such strange tones, that the more he gesticulated, the more he yelled and threatened me, the louder I laughed.
At that moment the clock of the Hôtel-de-Ville, striking five, was heard.
"The Municipal Council!" murmured my uncle, in a stifled voice. "Quick! help me off with this beast of a machine! We'll settle our business afterwards!"
But, suddenly likewise, an idea—a wild, extraordinary idea—came into my head; but then, whoever is madder than a lover? Besides, I had no choice of means.
"No!" I replied.
My uncle fell back two paces in terror—and again the enormous helmet wobbled on his shoulders.
"No," I repeated, firmly, "I'll not help you out, unless you give me the hand of my cousin Rose!"
From the depths of the strangely elongated visor came, not an angry exclamation, but a veritable roar. I had "done it!"—I had burned my ships!