118 SPORTING IN BOTH HEMISPHERES. 



and growled defiance at the stranger; but at a word from 

 Simon they reassumed their original position and demeanour. 



" It was very easy to perceive, from his embarrassed man- 

 ner, that Simon was not accustomed to receive visitors. 

 When he had recognised me, he seemed so strangely troubled 

 that the wire fell from his hands, and rising, he stood up 

 straight and motionless before me. His wife seemed nailed 

 to the place where she was stretched ; and the children, as if 

 by magic, ceased their noisy amusements. 



" ' Monsieur le Compte !' he exclaimed ; and was silent. 



" What, in fact, could there exist in common between us ? 

 What combination of circumstances could bring together 

 Simon the wretched poacher and myself, whom he had often 

 seen in the suite of, and talking and laughing with, his 

 Majesty Charles X. 1 Was my visit a happy or dangerous 

 omen to him 1 He was evidently at a loss to interpret the 

 meaning of it, and his eyes sought mine with inexpressible 

 anxiety. I hastened to relieve his mind, and addressed him 

 in the kindest manner I was able. 



" ( Simon,' I said, ' I am ordered by the king to make inquiries 

 into the state of the poor of this canton, and to give succour 

 to those who are the most worthy of relief. Several times I 

 have sought some information about yourself, and, to deal 

 frankly with you, the result has not been much in your 

 favour. I was determined, however, to see you myself 

 before depriving you of the benefit of the king's liberality. 

 How is it, Simon, that you have such a bad character in the 

 country 1 Come, let us hear.' 



" ' Really, M. le Compte, I don't know how to answer you. 

 I know very well I am not liked, and I think sometimes 

 that it is on account of my temper, wTiich is rather savage ; 

 but, besides that, I cannot explain why they should give me 

 so bad a name.' 



" ' Still, if public report is to be credited, you are an incor- 



