"fever, probably," he said to himself, "for the man is all nerves, and this business has been a little too much for him. he is not afraid, that’s clear; that sort never funks! h’m! champagne! that was an interesting item of news, at all events! twelve bottles! dear me, that’s a very respectable little stock indeed! i bet anything lebedeff lent somebody money on deposit of this dozen of champagne. hum! he’s a nice fellow, is this prince! i like this sort of man. well, i needn’t be wasting time here, and if it’s a case of champagne, why there’s no time like the present!"