Jon Hagadorn

"'One hundred thousand francs,' repeated Pepino.

"'But you only asked one hundred thousand francs for a fowl.

"'We have a fixed price for all our provisions.

"'It signifies nothing whether you eat much or little, "'whether you have ten dishes or one.

"'It's always the same price.'

"'What?

Still keeping up this silly jest?

"'My dear fellow, it is perfectly ridiculous.

"'Stupid!'

You had better tell me at once that you intend starving me to death.'

"'Oh, dear, no, your excellency, unless you intend to commit suicide.

Pay and eat.'

"'And what am I to pay with, brute?'

said Danglars, enraged.

"'Do you suppose I carry one hundred thousand francs in my pocket?'

"'Your Excellency has five million fifty thousand francs in your pocket.

That will be fifty fowls at one hundred thousand francs apiece, and half a fowl for the fifty thousand.'

Dangler shuddered.

The bandage fell from his eyes, and he understood the joke, which he did not think quite so stupid as he had done just before.

"'Come,' he said, "'if I pay you the hundred thousand francs, will you be satisfied and allow me to eat at my ease?'