For a moment I
felt some alarm, supposing it to be a scheme of Epernon's to
seize my person; and I cursed the imprudence which had led me to
expose myself in this solitary place. But a second glance
showing me that the Mayor of Bottitort was among the foremost, I
repented almost as seriously of the unlucky trifling that had
landed me in this foolish plight.
I even debated whether I should mount and, if it were possible,
get clear before they arrived; but the rueful faces of the two
players as they appeared breathless in the doorway, and the
liking I had taken for the rascals, decided me to stand my ground
"What is it?" I said.
"The Mayor, monsieur," Philibert answered, while Pierre pursed up
his lips with gloomy gravity. "I fear it will not stop at the
stocks this time," the rogue continued with a grimace.
His comrade muttered something about a rod and a fool's back; but
M. Grabot's entrance cut his witticism short. The Mayor, between
shame and rage, and the gratification of his revenge, was almost
bursting, and the moment he caught sight of us opened fire.
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