224 THE WALKS ABROAD OF 



There is one thing that country people have never 

 been able to understand, and that probably they never 

 will understand. It is that others cannot have such 

 good appetites as themselves. On this occasion the 

 fruits were superb, the bread excellent, the butter 

 and the cider such as are only to be found in Normandy. 

 The three guests did honour in their best style to 

 this impromptu collation, discussing at the same time 

 the object of their visit. 



" All the birds are ticketed with the names given 

 to them in the district," said the keeper, as he was 

 uncorking in a most careful manner a bottle of the 

 wine of the district. " But it still remains to classify 

 them according to their regiments, in proper battle 

 array. That you will be able to do, and I have the 

 most complete confidence in your ability." 



" Must see," replied, from behind the door of the 

 next room, a sharp voice seeming to come almost 

 from beneath the ground. 



The two young men looked quite astonished. Some- 

 one, then, was listening to their conversation ! Fran- 

 ceschini bit and twisted his moustache. 



The doctor also heard it, but thinking it was the 

 trick of some ill-bred child, paid no attention. Leon 

 thought it well to do the same as his father. 



" Yery well, we will classify the collection," said 

 he, " and if I cannot do it all myself, I am sure my 

 cousin will not refuse to lend me a hand." 



