This money gave Chupin an appetite for more, so he took it into his head to give this old noble a reception like that which was given to the Emperor.

Having learned through Bibiaine, whose tongue is as long as a viper's, all that has passed at the presbytery, between you, Monsieur Lacheneur, and the duke, he came and proclaimed it in the market-place.

When they heard it, all who had purchased national lands were frightened.

Chupin had counted on this, and soon he began telling the poor fools that they must burn powder under the duke's nose if they wished him to confirm their titles to their property." "And did they believe him ?" "Implicitly.

It did not take them long to make their preparations.