The cavalier started, but the lad went on, "therefore I do not speak of wages; it is you, on the contrary, who, if you grant what I ask, shall be paid a hundred-fold for the service you will render me; let me enter with you, then, I beg, remembering that he who now begs, has often commanded." Then, turning to the group of which we have already spoken, the lad said, "I shall pass; that is the most important thing; but you, Mayneville, try to do so also if possible." "It is not everything that you should pass," replied Mayneville; "it is necessary that he should see you." "Make yourself easy; once I am through, he shall see me." "Do not forget the sign agreed upon." "Two fingers on the mouth, is it not ?" "Yes; success attend you." "Well, monsieur page," said the man on the black horse, "are you ready ?" "Here I am," replied he, jumping lightly on the horse, behind the cavalier, who immediately joined his friends who were occupied in exhibiting their cards and proving their right to enter.
"Ventre de Biche!" said Robert Briquet; "what an arrival of Gascons!".