Rodolph wished the brigand to pass in first, for certain reasons; but the Schoolmaster insisted on showing so much politeness, that Rodolph entered before him. Before he sat down, the Schoolmaster tapped lightly against each of the divisions of the wainscot, that he might ascertain their thickness and power of transmitting sounds. "We need not be afraid to speak out," said he; "the division is not thin. We shall have our breakfast soon, and shall not be disturbed in our conversation." A waiter brought in the breakfast, and before he shut the door Rodolph saw the charcoal-man, Murphy, seated with great composure at a table in a room close at hand. The room in which the scene took place that we are describing was long and narrow, lighted by one window, which looked into the street, and was opposite to the door. The Chouette turned her back to this window, whilst the Schoolmaster was at one side of the table, and Rodolph on the other. When the servant left the room, the brigand got up, took his plate, and seated himself beside Rodolph and between him and the door. "We can talk better," he said, "and need not talk so loud." "And then you can prevent me from going out," replied Rodolph, calmly. The Schoolmaster gave a nod in the affirmative, and then, half drawing out of the pocket of his frock coat a stiletto, round and as thick as a goose's quill, with a handle of wood which disappeared in the grasp of his hairy fingers, said: "You see that?" "I do." "Advice to amateurs!" And bringing his shaggy brows together, by a frown which made his wide and flat forehead closely resemble a tiger's, he made a significant gesture. "And you may believe me," added the Chouette, "I have made the tool sharp." Rodolph, with perfect coolness, put his hand under his blouse, and took out a double-barrelled pistol, which he showed to the Schoolmaster, and then put into his pocket. "All right; and now we understand each other; but do not misunderstand me, I am only alluding to an impossibility. If they try to arrest me, and you have laid any trap for me, I will make 'cold meat' of you." And he gave a fierce look at Rodolph. "And I will spring upon him and help you, _fourline_," cried the Chouette. Rodolph made no reply, but shrugged his shoulders, and, pouring out a glass of wine, tossed it off. His coolness deceived the Schoolmaster. "I only put you on your guard." "Well, then, put up your 'larding-pin' into your pocket; you have no chicken to lard now. I am an old cock, and know my game as well as most," said Rodolph. "But, to our business." "Yes, let us talk of business; but do not speak against my 'larding-pin;' it makes no noise, and does not disturb anybody." "And does its work as should be; doesn't it, _fourline_?" added the old beldam. "By the way," said Rodolph to the Chouette, "do you really know the Goualeuse's parents?"