But surely the position would be reversed when Garnache and his man came to mount their horses, particularly considering how hampered they must be by Valerie.

This danger Garnache, however, was no less quick to perceive, and with a dismaying promptness did he take his measures.
"Remember," he threatened Monsieur de Condillac, "if any of your men show their teeth it will be the worse for you." They had come to a halt on the threshold of the courtyard.

"You will be so good as to bid them retreat through that doorway across the yard yonder." Marius hesitated.

"And if I refuse ?" he demanded hardily, but keeping his back to Garnache.

The men stirred, and stray words of mingling wonder and anger reached the Parisian.
"You will not," said Garnache, with quiet confidence.
"I think you make too sure," Marius replied, and dissembled his misgivings in a short laugh.