120 SPORTING IN BOTH HEMISPHERES. 



aid. Take this, and do not fail to be present at the next 

 chasse. In the mean time I shall speak a word in your 

 favour to his majesty, who only knows you at present by 

 your reputation as a skilful shot, and I have no doubt he 

 will find means to better your position.' 



" These last words seemed to make a deep impression on the 

 poacher. Through the coarse and rude envelope I could see his 

 feelings were touched. He would have thrown himself on his 

 knees and kissed my hands, if a certain expression repellant 

 of such familiarity, that he could read in my countenance, 

 had not repressed the movement. 



" The same evening an occasion presented itself of speaking 

 a few words in favour of Simon. 'I thank you, M. le 

 Compte/ said the king, to whom I related the details of my 

 visit. ' You have perfectly interpreted my intentions, and I 

 . approve of your liberality. Nothing must be spared to 

 reform this man. It will be a good example for my village of 

 Noisy. You will present him to me to-morrow at the chasse.' 



" I understood by this that orders had been given for an 

 hourallier on the following day. 



" This description of chasse took place during the months of 

 May and June, in the forest of Marly. The king, accom- 

 panied by Monseigneur the Dauphin, and the Captain of the 

 Garde, left the Palace of the Tuileries in his usual carriage 

 with eight horses, driven by a corpulent coachman and a 

 postilion in huge boots. 



" The king was exceedingly fond of old fashions in every- 

 thing. He never would use percussion locks, and although 

 it was impossible to shoot better, always adopted the old 

 system of flint guns, which had been his custom during sixty 

 years. 



" Punctual in everything, he was exact to the hour of rendez- 

 vous, and the least fault amongst his followers on this point 

 was certain to occasion evident signs of annoyance, although 



