The women screamed, the men rose to their feet.

Roland burst into that nervous laugh which was habitual with him, and threw himself back in his chair.

The young aristocrat remained calm, although the blood was trickling from his brow to his cheek.
At this moment the conductor entered with the usual formula: "Come! citizen travellers, take your places." The travellers, anxious to leave the scene of the quarrel, rushed to the door.
"Pardon me, sir," said Alfred de Barjols to Roland, "you do not go by diligence, I hope ?" "No, sir, I travel by post; but you need have no fear; I shall not depart." "Nor I," said the Englishman.

"Have them unharness my horses; I shall remain." "I must go," sighed the dark young man whom Roland had addressed as general.

"You know it is necessary, my friend; my presence yonder is absolutely imperative.