For one wild moment his lodger contemplated the chances which
lay in knocking him down, and taking refuge in flight, but he reflected
that if the house were alarmed he would not get off, and if not, it
might be possible to enlist M. Plon on his side. He therefore went
quietly back into the room, saying, "Do not fear, M. Plon.... I give
you my word, I am not going to fight."
"You had better not," said the other blusteringly. "You had better not!"
"Oh, as to that ..." said Jean with anger.
M. Plon retreated a second time before this demonstration, and again
lifted his voice for the police.
"They'll be here fast enough, no doubt," said Jean quietly, though there
was a bitter feeling of downfall in his heart. "Meanwhile, perhaps it
might be as well for me to tell you who I am."
"Who you are?" repeated M. Plon indignantly. "It's easy enough to see
that, my fine fellow, though what you could expect to steal here is not
so clear. You've got the air of a gallows bird, and it's well this poor
child has me--the brave Plon--to protect her."
"Come, come, M. Plon--listen to reason. I'm the husband of Madame
Didier."
"The husband of Madame Didier? What, when she hasn't got one!" cried the
other, now fairly enraged.
"Nevertheless, you might remember Jean Didier--if only you would," said
Jean imploringly, for he began to think there was yet a chance for him
if he could conciliate his landlord, and he made a few steps towards him
holding out his hands.
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