“That is where we require your help,” Le Chapelier put in. “There must be men of patriotic feeling among the more advanced of your pupils. M. Danton’s idea is that a little band of these--say a half-dozen, with yourself at their head--might read these bullies a sharp lesson.” Andre-Louis frowned. “And how, precisely, had M. Danton thought that this might be done?” M. Danton spoke for himself, vehemently. “Why, thus: We post you in the Manege, at the hour when the Assembly is rising. We point out the six leading phlebotomists, and let you loose to insult them before they have time to insult any of the representatives. Then to-morrow morning, six ------ phlebotomists themselves phlebotomized secundum artem. That will give the others something to think about. It will give them a great deal to think about, by ----! If necessary the dose may be repeated to ensure a cure. If you kill the ------s, so much the better.” He paused, his sallow face flushed with the enthusiasm of his idea. Andre-Louis stared at him inscrutably. “Well, what do you say to that?” “That it is most ingenious.” And Andre-Louis turned aside to look out of the window. “And is that all you think of it?” “I will not tell you what else I think of it because you probably would not understand. For you, M. Danton, there is at least this excuse that you did not know me. But you, Isaac--to bring this gentleman here with such a proposal!” Le Chapelier was overwhelmed in confusion. “I confess I hesitated,” he apologized. “But M. Danton would not take my word for it that the proposal might not be to your taste.” “I would not!” Danton broke in, bellowing. He swung upon Le Chapelier, brandishing his great arms. “You told me monsieur was a patriot. Patriotism knows no scruples. You call this mincing dancing-master a patriot?” “Would you, monsieur, out of patriotism consent to become an assassin?” “Of course I would. Haven’t I told you so? Haven’t I told you that I would gladly go among them with my club, and crack them like so many--fleas?” “Why not, then?” “Why not? Because I should get myself hanged. Haven’t I said so?” “But what of that ------ being a patriot? Why not, like another Curtius, jump into the gulf, since you believe that your country would benefit by your death?” M. Danton showed signs of exasperation. “Because my country will benefit more by my life.” “Permit me, monsieur, to suffer from a similar vanity.” “You? But where would be the danger to you? You would do your work under the cloak of duelling--as they do.” “Have you reflected, monsieur, that the law will hardly regard a fencing-master who kills his opponent as an ordinary combatant, particularly if it can be shown that the fencing-master himself provoked the attack?” “So! Name of a name!” M. Danton blew out his cheeks and delivered himself with withering scorn. “It comes to this, then: you are afraid!”