All duties and intentions gave way to that determination.
A dead silence fell over the room as he entered and the people caught sight of him.

He stood staring at the occupants and they returned his stare in good measure.

Finally the biggest ruffian, who seemed to be the leader, found his voice and burst out with a savage oath: "Another Russian! Well, the more the merrier." He raised a huge horse pistol as he spoke.

His words were greeted with jeers and yells from the band.

With a flash of inspiration Marteau, realizing into what he had been led, dropped his own weapon and instantly threw up his hands.
"I am French, messieurs," he cried loudly as the pistol clattered on the floor at his feet.
"What are you doing in that uniform, then ?" roared the leader.
Marteau tore open the heavy green coat, disclosing beneath it his French uniform.