"We might as well drink them all, now that we are here," said the officer solemnly.
"It would be a pity to leave any of it," Gaillard acquiesced.
The short gendarme nodded his approval.
"I wish I had a hogshead of it," thought Gaillard. "I'd put you both in bed and leave you."
After filling the glasses once again, Gaillard took up the lines and began to act out his part. If he had been playing before a large and enthusiastic audience, he could not have done it more effectively.
The stout gendarme was soon in such a state of laughter that the tears ran down his red cheeks. His merriment continued to increase to such an extent as to alarm his companion.
"He'll die of apoplexy some day, if he is so immoderate in his raptures," said the tall man, shaking his head sadly.
The fat gendarme was now coughing violently. Gaillard stopped to slap him on the back. When the paroxysm was over, the actor brought out the two remaining bottles of Burgundy.
"A little of this wine may relieve your throat," he said, and filled the glasses all round.
"Continue, my friend," called out the jolly-faced officer; "don't stop on my account."