Jon Hagadorn

We see that Danglers was collected enough to jest.

At the same time, as though to disprove the ogreish propensities, the man took some black bread, cheese, and onions from his wallet, which he began devouring voraciously.'

"'May I be hanged!'

said Danglars, glancing at the bandit's dinner through the crevices of the door.

"'May I be hanged if I can understand how people can eat such filth!'

And he withdrew to seat himself upon his goatskin, which reminded him of the smell of brandy.

"'But the mysteries of nature are incomprehensible, and there are certain invitations contained in even the coarsest food which appeal very irresistibly to a fasting stomach.'

Danglers felt his own not to be very well supplied just then, and gradually the man appeared less ugly, the bread less black, and the cheese more fresh, while those dreadful vulgar onions recalled to his mind certain sauces and side dishes, which his cook prepared in a very superior manner whenever he said, "'Monsieur Denizot, let me have a nice little fricassee to-day.'

He got up and knocked on the door.

The bandit raised his head.

Danglers knew that he was heard, so he redoubled his blows.

"'Chenkoza!'

asked the bandit.

"'Come, come,' said Danglers, tapping his fingers against the door.

"'I think it is quite time to think of giving me something to eat.'

but whether he did not understand him, or whether he had received no orders respecting the nourishment of danglers, the giant, without answering, went on with his dinner.

Danglers' feelings were hurt, and not wishing to put himself under obligations to the brute, the banker threw himself down again on his goat-skin and did not breathe another word.

Four hours passed by, and the giant was replaced by another bandit.

Danglers, who really began to experience sundry gnawings at the stomach, arose softly, again applied his eye to the crack of the door, and recognized the intelligent countenance of his guide.

It was, indeed, Pepino who was preparing to mount guard as comfortably as possible by seating himself opposite to the door, and placing between his legs an earthen pan containing chickpeas stewed with bacon.