“Very well,” said he, “I will make a bid. And if they turn out to be gamecocks, I will fight them with Monsieur Léon behind the cabaret. Two livres!”
There was a laugh, as of relief.
“Three!” cried Gaspard, and his voice broke.
Hippolyte looked insulted.
“M'ssieurs,” he shouted, “they are from the Canaries. Diable, un berger doit être généreux.”
Another laugh, and Gaspard wiped the perspiration from his face.
“Five!” said he.
“Six!” said Nick, and the villagers turned to him in wonderment. What could such a fine Monsieur want with two yellow birds?
“En avant, Gaspard,” said Hippolyte, and Suzanne shot another barbed glance in our direction.
“Seven,” muttered Gaspard.