It was lucky for them that poor Matamore's sword had no edge.

If it had been sharp and pointed, you would have cleft them from head to heels, clean in two, as the ancient knight-errants did the Saracens, and wicked enchanters." "Your club did as much execution as my sword, Herode, and your conscience need not reproach you, for they were not innocents that you slaughtered this time." "No, indeed!" the tyrant rejoined, with a mighty laugh, "the flower of the galleys these--the cream of gallows-birds." "Such jobs would scarcely be undertaken by any other class of fellows you know," de Sigognac said; "but we must not neglect to make Scapin's valiant deeds known, and praise them as they deserve.

He fought and conquered without the aid of any other arms than those that nature gave him." Scapin, who was a natural buffoon, acknowledged this encomium with a very low obeisance--his eyes cast down, his hand on his heart--and with such an irresistibly comical affectation of modesty and embarrassment that they all burst into a hearty laugh, which did them much good after the intense excitement and alarm.
After this, as it was late, the comedians bade each other good-night, and retired to their respective rooms; excepting de Sigognac, who remained for a while in the court, walking slowly back and forth, cogitating deeply.

The actor was avenged, but the gentleman was not.
Must he then throw aside the mask that concealed his identity, proclaim his real name, make a commotion, and run the risk of drawing down upon his comrades the anger of a powerful nobleman?
Prudence said no, but honour said yes.

The baron could not resist its imperious voice, and the moment that he decided to obey it he directed his steps towards Zerbine's room.
He knocked gently at the door, which was opened cautiously, a very little way at first, by a servant, who instantly admitted the unexpected guest when he saw who it was.
The large room was brilliantly lighted, with many rose-coloured wax candles in two handsome candelabra on a table covered with fine damask, on which smoked a dainty supper.