A BEAR HUNT. 



45 



That evening a banquet was given to celebrate the double 

 victory. Towards the end of the repast, a toast to " the 

 vanquishers" was proposed, and immediately accepted. Mon- 

 sieur d'Argentre, glass in hand, rose to pledge it, when Ma- 

 latour, also rising, held his arm, exclaiming, " To the sole 

 vanquisher of the day ! to our noble host ! It was he alone 

 who killed the two bears ; and if, through his generosity, I 

 have allowed the illusion to pass so long, it was simply for 

 this reason : the affront which I gave him was a public one 

 the reparation ought to be public likewise. I now declare 

 that Monsieur de Villetreton is the bravest of the brave, and 

 that I shall maintain it towards all and against all." 



" This time, at least, I shall not take up your gauntlet," 

 said Monsieur d'Argentre. 



" There's a brave young man," cried the pareur, whom 

 his master had admitted to his table, and who endeavored to 

 conceal a furtive tear. " Nothing could better prove to me, 

 sir, that, with a little experience, you will be as calm in the 

 presence of bears, as you are, I am sure, in the face of an 

 enemy." 



