He added, however, that no blood, fortunately, had been shed.

This last sentence disappointed his audience, who had counted upon one corpse at least.
"But I thought you fired," interrupted Felicite, recognising that the story was wretchedly deficient in dramatic interest.
"Yes, yes, three shots," resumed the old hosier.

"The pork-butcher Dubruel, Monsieur Lievin, and Monsieur Massicot discharged their guns with really culpable alacrity." And as there were some murmurs at this remark; "Culpable, I repeat the word," he continued.

"There are quite enough cruel necessities in warfare without any useless shedding of blood.

Besides, these gentlemen swore to me that it was not their fault; they can't understand how it was their guns went off.