You shall, at any rate, have to deal with one German, whether he be a cut-throat or not." "In any way you please," said Bourbotte, "that is, in any open or honest way." And as he spoke, he stepped back one step, and took his sword out of the scabbard.
The pistol which Westerman had taken from the table belonged to Santerre, and when he saw it in the hand of his friend, he leapt up and seized hold of the German's arm.
"Are you mad Westerman," said he; "do you wish to fight here in the Mayor's house?
I tell you, you were wrong, in taunting him as you did; sit quiet till I make peace between you." "Taunting him! now, by Heaven, that is good.

I will leave it to Barrere to say who first taunted the other.

Nonsense, Santerre, leave hold of me I say: you do not think I am going to murder the man, do you ?" General Chouardin also got up and put himself between the two armed men.
"Put up your sword, Bourbotte," whispered he, leading him off to the further window of the room; "you are no match for him here: if Barrere chooses he will have you recalled to Paris, and your neck will then not be worth a month's purchase." "Gentlemen," said Barrere, "this will never do.

You can neither of you serve the nation well if you persist in quarrelling between yourselves.
General Bourbotte, you should apologize to our friend Westerman for the insult which you offered to his countrymen." "My country is the country of my adoption," said Westerman.

"I ceased to be a German when I took up the arms of France; but my soldiers are my children, and an insult to them is an injury to myself." "If your anger can wait till the revolt in La Vendee has been quelled," said Chouardin, "my friend Bourbotte will be ready enough to satisfy your wishes as a citizen.