"How many assistants?" "Two. Is your machine in order?" The little man smiled, and shrugged his shoulders, as if to say: "What a question!" Then he asked aloud: "Shall I meet you at the Kehl gate, or shall I come for you?" "Come for me." "I shall be here at nine o'clock precisely." The little man turned as if to go out. "Wait," said Schneider; "you are not going away without drinking to the health of the Republic?" The little man accepted with a bow. Schneider rang, and the old woman came in. "A glass for citizen Nicholas," he said. Schneider took the first bottle that came to hand, and inclined it gently over the glass in order not to disturb the wine; a few red drops fell into the glass. "I don't drink red wine," said the little man. "True," answered Schneider; then he added, with a laugh, "Are you still nervous, citizen Nicholas?" "Yes." Schneider selected a second bottle of wine, champagne this time. "Here," said he, holding it out, "guillotine me that, citizen!" And he began to laugh; Edelmann, Young, and Monnet endeavored to follow his example, but in vain. The little man preserved his gravity. He took the bottle, drew a straight, long pointed knife from his belt, and ran it around the neck of the bottle several times; then he struck it a sharp blow just below the opening. The froth leaped out as blood leaps from a severed head, but Schneider was ready and caught the wine in his glass. The little man poured for every one; but there was only enough for five glasses instead of six. Charles' glass remained empty, and Charles took good care not to call attention to the fact. Edelmann, Young, Monnet and Schneider clinked glasses with the little man. Whether by accident or intention, Schneider's glass was broken by the shock. All five exclaimed: "Long live the Republic!" But only four drank the health; Schneider's glass was empty. A few drops of wine remained in the bottle. He seized it feverishly, and carried it quickly to his mouth. But he put it down even more quickly. The sharp edges of the broken glass had cut his lips through to the teeth. An oath fell from his bleeding lips, and he crushed the bottle with his foot. "Shall I still come to-morrow at the same hour?" asked Master Nicholas, quietly. "Yes, and go to the devil!" said Schneider, pressing his handkerchief to his mouth. Master Nicholas bowed and withdrew. Schneider, very pale and almost fainting at sight of his own blood, which flowed profusely, had fallen back in his chair. Edelmann and Young went to his assistance. Charles held Monnet back by his coat-tail. "Who is Master Nicholas?" he asked, shivering with emotion at the strange scene which had just taken place. "Don't you know him?" asked Monnet. "How should I know him? I have only been in Strasbourg since yesterday." Monnet did not reply, but put his hand to his neck. "I don't understand," said Charles. "Don't you know that he is the executioner?" asked Monnet, lowering his voice.