Besides, I should save five thousand francs; that is to say, the eighth of my capital; that is worth the trial.

This being so, I should have thirty men.

I shall divide them into three bands,--we will spread ourselves about over the country, with an injunction to reunite at a given moment; in this fashion, ten by ten, we should excite no suspicion--we should pass unperceived.

Yes, yes, thirty--that is a magic number.

There are three tens--three, that divine number! And then, truly, a company of thirty men, when all together, will look rather imposing.