I grew more outspoken with every glass, I drank to
the Rochellois, I swore it would not be long before they raised
their heads again; and, at last, while the innkeeper and his wife
were engaged lighting the lamp, I passed round the bottle and
called on all for a toast.
'I'll give you one to begin,' I bragged noisily. 'A gentleman's
toast! A southern toast! Here is confusion to the Cardinal, and
a health to all who hate him!'
'MON DIEU!' one of the strangers cried, springing from his seat
in a rage. 'I am not going to stomach that! Is your house a
common treason-hole,' he continued, turning furiously on the
landlord, 'that you suffer this?'
'Hoity-toity!' I answered, coolly keeping my seat. 'What is all
this? Don't you relish my toast, little man?'
'No--nor you!' he retorted hotly; 'whoever you may be!'
'Then I will give you another,' I answered, with a hiccough.
'Perhaps it will be more to your taste. Here is the Duke of
Orleans, and may he soon be King!'
CHAPTER III
THE HOUSE IN THE WOOD
Words so reckless fairly shook the three men out of their anger.
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