if my master is really the robber you are seeking for — which I deny — I have been, am, in his service; I have seen his generosity and goodness; and I will never betray him — not for all the gold in the world. I come from a village where they don't eat that kind of bread!”

“You refuse?”

“I refuse.”

“Consider that I've said nothing,” said Fix; “and let us drink.”

“Yes; let us drink!”

Passepartout felt himself yielding more and more to the effects of the liquor. Fix, seeing that he must, at all hazards, be separated from his master, wished to entirely overcome him.