Theconversationflagged，althoughthedoctorrelatedanumberofanecdotes.Rivalalonerepliedtohim.Duroytriedtoappearself—
possessed，buthewashauntedcontinuallybythefearofshowinghisfeelingsoroflosinghisself—possession.Rivaladdressedhim，saying：\"ItookthepistolstoGastineRenette.Heloadedthem.Theboxissealed.\"
Duroyrepliedmechanically：\"Thankyou.\"
ThenRivalproceededtogivehimminutedirections，thathemightmakenomistakes.Duroyrepeatedthosedirectionsaschildrenlearntheirlessonsinordertoimpressthemuponhismemory.Ashemutteredthephrasesoverandover，healmostprayedthatsomeaccidentmighthappentothecarriage;ifhecouldonlybreakhisleg！
Attheendofagladehesawacarriagestandingandfourgentlemenstampingtheirfeetinordertokeepthemwarm，andhewasobligedtogaspinordertogetbreath.RivalandBoisrenardalightedfirst，thenthedoctorandthecombatant.