Seeing that he was very faint,
Blazius hastened to fetch some wine--his sovereign remedy for every
ill--but de Sigognac rejected it, and signed that he wanted water
instead.
"A great mistake," said the pedant, shaking his head disapprovingly,
"a sad mistake--water is only fit for frogs, and fish, and such-like
cold-blooded creatures--it does not do for human beings at all. Every
water-bottle should be labelled,'For external use only.' Why, I should
die instantly if so much as a drop of the vile stuff found its way down
my throat. Take my advice, Captain Fracasse, and let it alone. Here,
have some of this good strong wine; it will set you right in a jiffy."
But de Sigognac would not be persuaded, and persisted in motioning for
water. When it was brought, cool and fresh, he eagerly swallowed a large
draught of the despised liquid, and found himself almost immediately
revived by it--his face resuming a more natural hue, and the light
returning to his eyes. When he was able to sit up and look about him
again, Herode approached, in his turn, and said, "You played admirably
this evening, and with wonderful spirit, Captain Fracasse, but it
does not do to take too much out of yourself in this way--such violent
exertions would quickly do for you.
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