276 WOLF-HUNTING. 



indeed, had struck work long before, and, with the exception of 

 old Sancho, followed each one his master's heels with a forlorn 

 and spiritless air. This return journey was by far the most 

 disagreeable part of the day's work ; for, in order to avoid the 

 slushy lanes, it was necessary to travel in Indian file on the tops 

 of the banks, which, hollowed out by the peasants' sabots, and 

 elevated some ten feet above the level of the land, presented to 

 a stranger, at least, a most awkward and dangerous footpath on 

 a dark night. How the peasants, so often returning in a state 

 of intoxication to their homes in the country, travel over them 

 without breaking their necks, is quite marvellous, when, from the 

 holes and root-snags so often crossing the trough, a sober man 

 finds it difficult enough to keep his legs with all his wits about 

 him. 



