SCENE SIXTH

The same persons and Mercadet.

Mercadet
And do you mean to tell me that you gentlemen are come to force me
into bankruptcy?

Goulard
We shall do so, unless you find means to pay us in full this very day.

Mercadet
To-day!

Pierquin
This very day.

Mercadet (standing before the fireplace)
Do you think that I possess the plates for striking off Bank of France
notes?

Violette
You mean that you have no offer to make?

Mercadet
Absolutely none! And you are going to lock me up? I warn him who is
going to pay for the cab that he won't be reimbursed from any assets
of mine.

Goulard
I shall add that along with all that you owe me to the debit of your
account--

Mercadet
Thank you. You've all made up your mind, I suppose?

The Creditors
We have.

Mercadet
I am touched by your unanimity! (pulling out his watch) Two o'clock.
(Aside) De la Brive has had quite time enough--he ought to be on his
way here. (Aloud) Gentlemen, you compel me to admit that you are men
of inspiration and have chosen your time well!

Pierquin
What does he mean?

Mercadet
For months, for years, you have allowed yourselves to be humbugged by
fine promises, and deceived--yes, deceived by preposterous stories;
and to-day is the day you choose for showing yourselves inexorable!
Upon my word and honor, it is positively amusing! By all means let us
start for Clichy.

Goulard
But, sir--

Pierquin
He is laughing.

Violette (rising from his chair)
There is something in the wind. Gentlemen, there is something in the
wind!

Pierquin
Please explain to us--

Goulard
We desire to know--

Violette (rising to his feet)
M. Mercadet, if there is anything--tell us about it.

Mercadet (coming to the table)
Nothing! I shall say nothing, not I--I wish to be put behind the
bars!--I would like to see the figure you all will cut to-morrow or
this evening, when you find he has returned.

Goulard (rising to his feet)
He has returned?

Pierquin
Returned from where?

Violette
Who has returned?

Mercadet (coming forward)
Nobody has returned. Let us start for Clichy, gentlemen.

Goulard
But listen, if you are expecting any assistance--

Pierquin
If you have any hope that--

Violette
Or if even some considerable legacy--

Goulard
Come, now!

Pierquin
Answer--

Violette
Tell us--

Mercadet
Now, take care, I beg you. You are giving way, you are giving way,
gentlemen, and if