This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896 Excerpt: … have seen that sharper’s face somewhere already, said the constable, speaking to himself. Then to Yvonnet, – Are you going to give me the trouble of finding out where I have met you, rascal? Come, tell me at once; you must remember.
And why should I remember better than you, monseigneur? not being able to resist the temptation of addressing a question in his turn to the constable. Because, replied the old soldier, you see a constable of France by chance once in your life, whilst I see every day a heap of rogues like you.
You are correct, monseigneur, replied Yvonnet. Well, you saw me in presence of the king.
What! said the constable; in presence of the king? You visit the king, then, villain?
I have done so at least on the day I had the honour of seeing you there, M. le Conne table, answered Yvonnet, with the most exquisite politeness. Hum! muttered the constable. In fact, I remember; you were with a young officer whom my nephew sent to the king.
WithM. de Theligny.
That’s so, said the constable. And are things going on all right yonder?
On the contrary, M. le Connetable, things are going all wrong.
How all wrong? Take care of what you say, rascal!
I am about to say the truth, monseigneur. The day before yesterday we had, after a sortie at the Faubourg d'Isle, about sixty men placed hors de combat. Yesterday, in trying to carry a Spanish position in front of the Remicourt gate, we lost fifteen troopers of the Dauphin’s Company and their lieutenant, M. de Theligny–
Theligny! interrupted the constable, who believed himself invulnerable, after su…