As for the
money there, I might perhaps have been justified in keeping it, to
indemnify me for the great risk and peril I incurred, but such a
questionable proceeding would be repugnant to my tender conscience and
my honest pride, as your highness can understand."
"In the name of all the devils in the infernal regions, take back your
money!" cried Vallombreuse impetuously, "or I will have you pitched out
of the window yonder, you and your money both. I never heard of such
a scrupulous scoundrel in my life. You, Merindol, and your cursed
crew, have not a spark of honour or honesty among you all; far enough
from it." Then perceiving that Lampourde hesitated about picking up
the purse, he added, "Take it, I tell you! I give it to you to drink my
health with."
"In that, my lord duke, you shall be religiously obeyed," Lampourde
replied joyfully; "however, I do not suppose that your highness will
object to my dedicating part of it to lansquenet." And he stretched out
his long arm, seized the purse, and with one dexterous movement, like a
juggler, chucked it jingling into the depths of his pocket.
"It is understood then, my lord duke, that I retire from the affair so
far as the Baron de Sigognac is concerned," continued Lampourde, "but,
if agreeable to your highness, it will be taken in hand by my 'alter
ego,' the Chevalier Malartic, who is worthy to be intrusted with the
most delicate and hazardous enterprises, because of his remarkable
adroitness and superior ability, and he is one of the best fellows
in the world into the bargain.
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