"Enough of this, dotard!" Arnauld du Thill rudely interrupted him, in high ill-humor. "Do you suppose I have time to listen forever to your twaddle? Just give me your pistole and go into the house, if you choose. You shall dine in an hour's time, and can sleep after that, and then we shall be quits. That does not require so much talk." "But it was you who questioned me," said Carbon Barreau. "Come, come! Do you propose to go in, fellows or not? See, some of my guests are already arriving, and with your leave I will quit you to receive them. Go in. I treat you without ceremony, and do not escort you." "So I see," said Carbon Barreau, as he entered the house, grumbling at his host's sudden changes of humor. Three hours later the company was still at the table under the elms. The number of the guests was complete, and the judge of Artigues, whose favor Arnauld meant to win, had the place of honor. Good wine and pleasant talk were circulating. The younger people talked of the future and the graybeards of the past, while Uncle Carbon Barreau had been able to make sure that his host was really called Martin-Guerre, and was recognized and treated by all the inhabitants of Artigues as one of themselves. "Do you remember, Martin-Guerre," said one of them, "the Augustinian monk, Brother Chrysostom, who taught us both to read?" "Yes, I remember him," said Arnauld. "Do you remember, Cousin Martin," asked another, "that it was on your wedding-day that cannon were first fired at a merry-making in the province?" "Yes, I remember," replied Arnauld. And, as if to refresh his memory, he embraced his wife, who was sitting at his side, the picture of happy pride. "Since your memory is so exceedingly good, my good Master," suddenly exclaimed a clear, firm voice behind the guests, addressing Arnauld du Thill, "since you remember so many things, perhaps you may remember me, as well!" CHAPTER XXXIV JUSTICE IN A QUANDARY He who spoke thus, in a commanding tone, cast aside the dark cloak of ample dimensions which hid his person; and Arnauld du Thill's guests, who had turned at the sound of his voice, could see a young cavalier of haughty bearing and richly dressed. At a little distance a servant was holding by their bridles the two horses on which he and his master had ridden. All rose respectfully, greatly surprised and very curious. Arnauld du Thill turned as white as a dead man, "Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès," he muttered in his fright. "Well," continued Gabriel, in a voice of thunder, addressing him,--"well! you recognize me, do you?" Arnauld, after hesitating a moment, had quickly reckoned up his chances, and decided upon the course he should take.