a moment Andre-Louis, with Le Chapelier ever at his side,
stood hesitating to step out into the deluge.

The watchful Chabrillane had seen his chance, and by a detour that
took him momentarily out into the rain, he came face to face with the
too-daring young Breton. Rudely, violently, he thrust Andre-Louis back,
as if to make room for himself under the shelter.

Not for a second was Andre-Louis under any delusion as to the man's
deliberate purpose, nor were those who stood near him, who made a
belated and ineffectual attempt to close about him. He was grievously
disappointed. It was not Chabrillane he had been expecting. His
disappointment was reflected on his countenance, to be mistaken for
something very different by the arrogant Chevalier.

But if Chabrillane was the man appointed to deal with him, he would make
the best of it.

"I think you are pushing against me, monsieur," he said, very civilly,
and with elbow and shoulder he thrust M. de Chabrillane back into the
rain.

"I desire to take shelter, monsieur," the Chevalier hectored.

"You may do so without standing on my feet. I have a prejudice against
any one standing on my feet. My feet are very tender. Perhaps you did
not know it, monsieur. Please say no more."

"Why, I wasn't speaking, you lout!" exclaimed the Chevalier, slightly
discomposed.

"Were you not? I thought perhaps you were about to apologize."

"Apologize?" Chabrillane laughed. "To you! Do you know that you are
amusing?" He stepped under the awning for the second time, and again in
view of all thrust Andre-Louis rudely back.

"Ah!" cried Andre-Louis, with a grimace. "You hurt me, monsieur. I have
told you not to push against me." He raised his voice that all might
hear him, and once more impelled M. de Chabrillane back into the rain.

Now, for all his slenderness, his assiduous daily sword-practice had
given Andre-Louis an arm of iron. Also he threw his weight into the
thrust. His assailant reeled backwards a few steps, and then his
heel struck a baulk of timber left on the ground by some workmen that
morning, and he sat down suddenly in the mud.

A roar of laughter rose from all who witnessed the fine gentleman's
downfall. He rose, mud-bespattered, in a fury, and in that fury sprang
at Andre-Louis.

Andre-Louis had made him ridiculous, which was altogether unforgivable.

"You shall meet me for this!" he spluttered. "I shall kill you for it."

His inflamed face was within a foot