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218 halted and ordered the drum to beat; this made them open a little, so that we pushed forward like a wedge; but after a few yards we could go no further. I found myself rubbing elbows with two boatmen whom I knew well; one Father Joachim, nicknamed "Calabre," and the other a man named Gadin, called Gueurlu.

"What are you doing here, Master Breugnon," said one, "all harnessed up like a prize donkey? Are you out for fun or a fight?"

"There's many a true word spoken in jest, Calabre. I have just been appointed Captain of Clamecy, and I am here to defend the town against all its enemies."

"There are no enemies that I know of," said he. "You must be cracked."

"What do you call that crowd down there, setting fire to houses?"

"We are all sorry that your house was burnt the first day, Master," said he, "but now that it is gone, I don't see what difference it makes to you if we do go for a fat old thief like Poullard, who grows rich on the wool that he pulls off our backs, and then turns up his nose at us. It is a good deed to rob the likes of him, and anyhow you are in the same boat with us poor men now, all to gain and nothing to lose, so get out of our way!"