THE LAST CHASSE OF CHAELES X. 155 



Suddenly the hound gives indications of being on the 

 scent, and the valet de limier carefully examines the ground. 

 He discovers at length a foot-mark,* very indistinctly traced. 

 The ground was so hard, that nothing but some almost 

 imperceptible scratches appeared. He kneels down and 

 takes a more minute inspection of the marks. 



"That is it," he joyfully exclaimed; "that is it." 



" Cursed drought," grumbled the valet de limier. " The 

 weather is so dry, that even in the forest there is scarcely 

 scent or trail ; not even a blade of grass bent, but all stiff as 

 pig's bristles." In spite of himself, he was pre-oceupied with 

 this reflection, and could not dissipate a slight feeling of 

 evil presentiment that passed through his mind. He makes 

 a long detour around the cover where he perceived the foot- 

 marks, and arrives at the spot where he first discovered 

 them; the hound again seems to recognise the place, and 

 looks up to his master, as if to say, " our duty is accom- 

 plished." 



Doubtless the animal is within the circle they have de- 

 scribed, and is probably a stag of ten branches. 



In the other parts of the forest the same manoeuvres are 

 executed, and all these skilful officers of the chase return to 

 prepare their reports. 



What a splendid cliasse is in perspective. How all these 

 noble alleys and avenues will resound to the music of the 

 horn. What an animated coup d'cdl the brilliant cortege of 

 cavaliers, courtiers, and ladies, mounted on their English 

 horses, will present. The king of France will enjoy a noble 

 chase to-day. 



It is nine o'clock, and already an equipage is upon the 

 road to Chartres. The beauty of the horses, the elegance of 

 the harness, and the form of the carriage, indicate its being 



* The age of a stag is known by the imprint of his foot. 



