spectacle. What is a spectacle? Something to be seen--"

"But on that principle you would pay your bet by taking us to see the
water run under the Pont Neuf!" cried Simonnin, interrupting him.

"To be seen for money," Godeschal added.

"But a great many things are to be seen for money that are not plays.
The definition is defective," said Desroches.

"But do listen to me!"

"You are talking nonsense, my dear boy," said Boucard.

"Is Curtius' a play?" said Godeschal.

"No," said the head clerk, "it is a collection of figures--but it is a
spectacle."

"I bet you a hundred francs to a sou," Godeschal resumed, "that
Curtius' Waxworks forms such a show as might be called a play or
theatre. It contains a thing to be seen at various prices, according
to the place you choose to occupy."

"And so on, and so forth!" said Simonnin.

"You mind I don't box your ears!" said Godeschal.

The clerk shrugged their shoulders.