“ ‘See here,’ exclaimed Caderousse. ‘You cannot think of going out in such weather as this.’

“ ‘Oh, I am not afraid of thunder,’ said the jeweller.

“ ‘And then there are robbers,’ said La Carconte. ‘The road is never very safe during fair time.’

“ ‘Oh, as to the robbers,’ said Joannes, ‘here is something for them,’ and he drew from his pocket a pair of small pistols, loaded to the muzzle. ‘Here,’ said he, ‘are dogs who bark and bite at the same time, they are for the two first who shall have a longing for your diamond, Friend Caderousse.’

“Caderousse and his wife again interchanged a meaning look. It seemed as though they were both inspired at the same time with some horrible thought. ‘Well, then, a good journey to you,’ said Caderousse.