Cadet and I, considering
the necessities of the Grand Company, have resolved to put an end to
the rivalry and arrogance of the Golden Dog. We will treat the
Bourgeois," Bigot smiled meaningly, "not as a trader with a baton,
but as a gentleman with a sword; for, although a merchant, the
Bourgeois is noble and wears a sword, which under proper provocation
he will draw, and remember he can use it too! He can be tolerated
no longer by the gentlemen of the Company. They have often pressed
me in vain to take this step, but now I yield. Hark, De Pean! The
Bourgeois must be INSULTED, CHALLENGED, and KILLED by some gentleman
of the Company with courage and skill enough to champion its rights.
But mind you! it must be done fairly and in open day, and without my
knowledge or approval! Do you understand?"
Bigot winked at De Pean and smiled furtively, as much as to say,
"You know how to interpret my words."
"I understand your Excellency, and it shall be no fault of mine if
your wishes, which chime with my own, be not carried out before many
days.
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