Truly adversity is the crucible in which the quality of friendship is tried.
On the way to the Corne d'Abondance the self-made victim of this night's madness and his friend exchanged no words.

There was nothing to be said.

But there was death in the Chevalier's heart; his chin was sunken in his collar, and he bore heavily on Victor's arm; from time to time he hiccoughed.

Victor bit his lips to repress the sighs which urged against them.
"Where do you wish to go, Paul ?" he asked, when they arrived under the green lantern and tarnished cherubs of the tavern.
"Have I still a place to go ?" the Chevalier asked.

"Ah well, lead on, wherever you will; I am in your keeping." So together they entered the tavern.
"Maitre," said Victor to le Borgne, "is the private assembly in use ?" "No, Monsieur; you wish to use it ?" "Yes; and see that no one disturbs us." In passing through the common assembly, Victor saw Du Puys and Bouchard in conversation with the Jesuits.