A Prussian detachment occupied the station. Other soldiers were
looking on from behind wooden gratings. The engine was already getting
up steam in order to start off again. Then M. Dubuis hurriedly jumped
on the platform, and, in spite of the warnings of the station master,
dashed into the adjoining compartment.

* * * * *

He was alone! He tore open his waistcoat, so rapidly did his heart
beat, and, panting for breath, he wiped the perspiration off his
forehead.

The train drew up at another station. And suddenly the officer
appeared at the carriage-door, and jumped in, followed close behind by
the two Englishmen, who were impelled by curiosity. The German sat
facing the Frenchman, and, laughing still, said:

"You did not want to do what I asked you?"

M. Dubuis replied:

"No, monsieur."

The train had just left the station.

The officer said:

"I'll cut off your moustache to fill my pipe with."

And he put out his hand towards the Frenchman's face.

The Englishmen kept staring in the same impassive fashion with fixed
glances.

Already the German had caught hold of the moustache and was tugging at
it, when M. Dubuis, with a back stroke of his hand, threw back the
officer's arm, and, seizing him by the collar, flung him down on the
seat. Then, excited to a pitch of fury, with his temples swollen and
his eyes glaring, he kept throttling the officer with one hand, while
with the other clenched, he began to strike him violent blows in the
face. The Prussian struggled, tried to draw his saber, and to get a
grip, while lying back, of his adversary. But M. Dubuis crushed him
with the enormous weight of his stomach, and kept hitting him without
taking breath or knowing where his blows fell. Blood flowed down the
face of the German, who, choking and with a rattling in his throat,
spat forth his broken teeth, and vainly strove to shake off this
infuriated man who was killing him.

The Englishmen had got on their feet and came closer in order to see
better. They remained standing, full of mirth and curiosity, ready to
bet for or against each of the combatants.

And suddenly M. Dubuis, exhausted by his violent efforts, went and
resumed his seat without uttering a word.

The Prussian did not attack him, for the savage assault had scared and
terrified the officer. When he was able to breathe freely, he said:

"Unless you give me satisfaction with pistols, I will kill you."

M. D