De Pean, elate with his success, did not let the gaiety of the party
flag for a moment during their return. They drank, sang, and talked
balderdash and indecencies in a way to bring a look of disgust upon
the cheeks of the rough boatmen.
Much less sober than when they left Tilly, the riotous party reached
the capital. The canotiers with rapid strokes of the paddle passed
the high cliffs and guarded walls, and made for the quay of the
Friponne, De Pean forcing silence upon his companions as they passed
the Sault au Matelot, where a crowd of idle boatmen hailed them with
volleys of raillery, which only ceased when the canoe was near
enough for them to see whom it contained. They were instantly
silent. The rigorous search made by order of the Intendant after
the late rioters, and the summary punishment inflicted upon all who
had been convicted, had inspired a careful avoidance of offence
toward Bigot and the high officers of his staff.
De Pean landed quietly, few caring to turn their heads too often
towards him. Le Gardeur, wholly under his control, staggered out of
the canoe, and, taking his arm, was dragged rather than led up to
the Palace, where Bigot greeted the party with loud welcome.
Pages:
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
779