A QUARREL. 129 



arrived at the beginning of the month of July, the period 

 when rabbit- shooting commences at St. Cloud. Thus, I 

 should not have an opportunity of seeing Simon for two 

 months, and it was written that during this interval a sad 

 and terrible misfortune should befal him. 



" It happened that late on the same day several parties 

 were assembled in the village, where frequent and deep 

 libations were not spared. Irritated by his defeat, the garde- 

 cliasse had seated himself at the door of a little cabaret 

 where Simon was dining, and loudly contested the legitimacy 

 of his success, attributing it to accidental causes. After- 

 wards he changed his mode of provocation, and abused 

 Simon for his poaching habits. Simon patiently endured 

 his impertinence, not without an effort, but at all events 

 for a long time. 



" Encouraged by the apparent calm of his adversary, the 

 garde boasted the superiority of his dog over that of Simon's, 

 one of those beagles of which I have already spoken, and 

 which at this moment was quietly reposing at his master's 

 feet. 



" ' It is a shame to let blackguards like you have dogs/ 

 said the brutal guard, at the same time administering a 

 violent kick to Simon's poor companion. ' If I was the 

 king, I would order them all to be shot; and by Gr , the 

 first time I meet this one in the forest I will make short 

 work of him.' 



" Simon still remained impassive ; but his blood was boiling 

 in his veins. It only required one word to make him lose 

 all self-possession, and that word soon transpired. 



" ' Listen, my fine fellow, with all your boasting, I will 

 wager you have not the heart to stand up against me,' cried 

 the garde, rising, and taking off his coat. 



" i You shall soon see,' replied Simon ; ' and I advise you 

 not to spare ine, for I swear to you I shall not spare you." 



E 



