Page:Horrid Mysteries Volume 3.djvu/71

 rage failed him already at the door. Having inadvertently unfastened the red cockade of his hat, it fell into his face. He was violently frightened; but when we began to laugh, and declared that it was a bad omen, he collected himself again, and looking at us with an indescribable contempt, on account of our supposed timidity, flung the cockade into a corner. We took it up, resolving to make a good use of it. He had no sooner quitted the saloon, than the Marquis communicated his plan and measures to the company, asking the gentlemen which of them would act a part in the farce he was going to play? Don Joachim F******, a man like a giant, and Don Romero L******, who was rather of a dwarfish stature, offered instantly to act the principal parts. Our plan now was briefly concerted, and the company rose to follow the Chevalier at a distance, and, if possible, to get the start of him."