And, besides, what advice could he give us ?" Chanlouineau had forgotten all prudence.
"What of that ?" he exclaimed.

"If Monsieur d'Escorval has no counsel to give us about this matter, he can, perhaps, teach us how to resist and to defend ourselves." For some moments Father Chupin had been studying, with an impassive countenance, the storm of anger he had aroused.

In his secret heart he experienced the satisfaction of the incendiary at the sight of the flames he has kindled.
Perhaps he already had a presentiment of the infamous part he would play a few months later.
Satisfied with his experiment, he assumed, for the time, the role of moderator.
"Wait a little.

Do not cry before you are hurt," he exclaimed, in an ironical tone.

"Who told you that the Duc de Sairmeuse would trouble you?
How much of his former domain do you all own between you?
Almost nothing.