Now each man present seemed singled out for an attack by this little battery of glass.

He did not reply directly to Rouge Gosselin, but standing perfectly still, with one hand resting on the counter at which Suzon stood, he prepared to speak.
Suzon did not attempt to stop him now, but gazed at him in a sort of awe.

These men present were Catholics, and held religion in superstitious respect, however far from practising its precepts.

Many of them had been profane and blasphemous in their time; may have sworn "sacre bapteme!" one of the worst oaths of their race; but it had been done in the wildness of anger, and they were little likely to endure from Charley Steele any word that sounded like blasphemy.

Besides, the world said that he was an infidel, and that was enough for bitter prejudice.
In the pause--very short--before Charley began speaking, Suzon's fingers stole to his on the counter and pressed them quickly.