148 SPOUTING IN BOTH HEMISPHEKES. 



they arrived at the gate of the park that faces the grande 

 attee, in which is situated what is called, the Lantern of 

 Diogenes, from which a miniature view may be obtained of 

 all Paris. The two sentinels of the Garde Koyale presented 

 arms, which astonished him still more, but he went on 

 repeating to himself " He is either a general or a marshal, 

 as I supposed." But now the drum began to beat. The 

 whole guard were under arms, and the two cavaliers who 

 were always posted at the gate to announce that the king 

 was for the time resident at the chateau, sat, with drawn 

 sabres, firm and motionless in their saddles. It was evident 

 that these honours could only be paid to a person of supreme 

 rank. The poor peasant's heart began to fail him, and he 

 felt himself, as it were, sobered in a moment. He fell back 

 several paces behind his companion of the morning, and 

 dared not cast a look towards him; indeed, he glanced 

 cautiously round to see if there was any possibility of 

 making his escape. 



The king called an officer, who replied 



'' Sire, what may your majesty desire?" 



" I am lost !" muttered the poacher. 



The king, after having enjoyed his embarrassment for 

 some moments, turned towards him, and said 



" I must tell you, my friend, that you are pursuing a very 

 dishonest career in poaching. You rob the king you steal 

 his game. Do you think that there is any difference be- 

 tween that and any other theft 1 Do you not understand 

 that his game belongs to him, as much as your own poultry 

 does to yourself? Pursuits of this sort will only lead to 

 worse, and every feeling of probity and honour will be 

 destroyed." 



" Sire, I am an honest man an old soldier." 



"I believe it, my brave man, and it is an additional 

 reason to abandon so worthless a career; no doubt want 



