His conduct before the Court of Peers was a masterpiece of diplomacy." "Well, Captain Renard," said one of the townsfolk to Max's friend.

"They say wolves don't devour each other, but it seems that Max is going to set his teeth in Colonel Bridau.

That's pretty serious among you gentlemen of the Old Guard." "You make fun of it, do you?
Because the poor fellow amused himself a little at night, you are all against him," said Potel.

"But Gilet is a man who couldn't stay in a hole like Issoudun without finding something to do." "Well, gentlemen," remarked another, "Max and the colonel must play out their game.

Bridau had to avenge his brother.