CHAPTER V. 



THE OPOSSUM. 



GASCON, very garrulous and very amusing, 

 with whom I was well acquainted in the 

 United States, told me that, one day, when 

 walking in the woods, he met with an opos- 

 sum. Struck by the quaint appearance of this new 

 species of game, he hurled at him a simple stick which he 

 held in his hands. 



" This rogue," said he, narrating his further adventures, 

 " stopped short, just as if his ribs had been broken by the 

 salute ; so I picked him up, and slid him delicately into 

 my waistcoat pocket, satisfied that I should not return 

 home empty-handed. At all events, thinks I to myself, 

 I shall have a roast for my dinner. But, * Confusion ! 

 what is this ? ' I cried, as I felt a number of sharp teeth 



