Part 71 (1/2)
”Take your places gentlemen,” shouted the conductor, opening the door.
”Take your places! We are three-quarters of an hour late.”
”One moment, conductor, one moment,” Said the architect; ”we are consulting.”
”About what?”
”Close the door, conductor, and come over here.”
”Drink a gla.s.s of wine with us, conductor.”
”With pleasure, gentlemen; a gla.s.s of wine is never to be refused.”
The conductor held out his gla.s.s, and the three travellers touched it; but just as he was lifting it to his lips the doctor stopped his arm.
”Come, conductor, frankly, is it true?”
”What?”
”What this gentleman says?” And he pointed to the Genevese.
”Monsieur Feraud?”
”I don't know if that is his name.”
”Yes, sir, that is my name--Feraud & Company, No. 6 Rue du Rempart, Geneva, at your service,” replied the watchmaker, bowing.
”Gentlemen,” repeated the conductor, ”take your places!”
”But you haven't answered.”
”What the devil shall I answer? You haven't asked me anything.”
”Yes, we asked you if it is true that you are carrying a large sum of money belonging to the French Government?”
”Blabber!” said the conductor to watchmaker, ”did you tell that?”
”Confound it, my worthy fellow--”
”Come, gentlemen, your places.”
”But before getting in we want to know--”
”What? Whether I have government money? Yes I have. Now, if we are stopped, say nothing and all will be well.”
”Are you sure?”
”Leave me to arrange matters with these gentry.”
”What will you do if we are stopped?” the doctor asked the architect.