Volume III Part 11 (1/2)
”And the ham?”
”Also left there, with a quartern loaf. I have added a little surprise you did not expect--half a dozen hard-boiled eggs, and a fine Dutch cheese.”
”That's what I call acting like a pal! And wine?”
”There are six bottles, sealed; but, you know, they will only give you one bottle a day.”
”What would you have? One ought to be content with that.”
”I hope you are satisfied with me, my friend?”
”Certainly; and shall be still, and shall be again, Daddy Micou, for this ham, cheese, eggs, and wine will only last the time to swallow them; but, when there is no more, there will come some more, thanks to Daddy Micou, who will give me some more sugar-plums, if I am a good boy.”
”How? you wish--”
”In two or three days you would renew my little provision, Micou.”
”May the devil burn me if I do. It is all very well for once.”
”Good for once! Come, come; ham and wine are good always, you know that well enough.”
”It is possible; but I am not obliged to feed you with dainties.”
”Oh, Micou! it is wrong, it is unjust, to refuse ham to me, who have so often brought you fat tripe (sheet-lead).”
”Hus.h.!.+” said the alarmed receiver.
”No; I'll make the beak decide; I will tell him. Imagine that, Daddy Micou--”
”Good, good!” cried the receiver, seeing, with as much fear as anger, Nicholas was disposed to abuse the position which their dealings gave him; ”I consent--I will replenish your stock of provisions when they are exhausted.”
”It is just--nothing but just. Neither must you forget to send some coffee to my mother and Calabash, who are at Saint Lazare; they used to take their cup every morning--they will feel the want of it.”
”Still more? But do you mean to ruin me, lad?”
”As you please, old Micou; let us speak no more about it. I will ask the big-wig if--”
”Agreed, then, for the coffee,” said the receiver, interrupting him. ”But may the devil take you! cursed be the day I knew you!”
”My old man, as for me, it is just the contrary. At this moment, I am delighted to know you. I venerate you as my foster-father.”
”I hope that you have nothing more to order?” answered Micou, with bitterness.
”Yes! tell my mother and sister that, though I trembled when I was arrested, I tremble no more, and that I am now as bold as both of them.”
”I will tell them. Is that all?”
”Stop! I forgot to ask for two pair of warm woolen stockings--you do not wish me to take cold, do you?”
”I wish you were froze!”