"Then go to bed, shut the doors, and whatever you see or hear, do not
come out, even if your house is burning."

"Oh! I am ruined!"

"I am instructed to indemnify you; here are thirty crowns."

"My house estimated at thirty crowns!" cried the inn-keeper, piteously.

"We shall not break even a window; complainer that you are."

"Oh! what a champion of the Holy League."

The host went away and did as he was told. Then the officer ordered two
men to place themselves under Chicot's window, while he himself, with
the three others, mounted to his room.

"You know the order," said the officer. "If he opens and lets us search,
and we find what we seek, we will not do him the least harm; but if the
contrary happens, a good blow with a dagger; no pistol, you
understand--besides, it is useless, being four against one."

The officer knocked.

"Who is there?" cried Chicot.

"Your friends the grocers, who have something important to tell you."

"Oh!" cried Chicot; "how last night's wine has strengthened your voice."