50 A MONTH IN THE FORESTS OF FRANCE. 



and with these three couple of hounds and my two 

 terriers we started for the river. They were about 

 to couple their hounds up; but, not conceiving 

 that such a thing could be needful, I discarded 

 couples for the hounds of my choice, and in amaze- 

 ment viewed them chain the old worn-out cripples. 



At the place where we were to commence, there were 

 barns and a cottage standing on the banks of the 

 river, close to the chateau — the path by the door of 

 the cottage used only by men, women, and children, 

 and joining the high road. As this led immediately 

 to the brook, I bade them uncouple the two French 

 hounds, which request was complied with, and, about 

 half-past two o'clock p.m., on the most frequented 

 thoroughfare, to my horror, the old smooth French 

 dog put down his nose as if feeling a scent, and 

 started in full cry along the beaten path, the other 

 French animal looking at him and doino; the same — 

 Blossom and the English hounds, as well as my 

 terriers staring at them in mystified astonishment. 



" For heaven's sake," I said, " take up those two 

 old "false cripples, those babblers." 



" Babblers ! what is that ? " 



" Why, devils who kick up an infernal clatter with- 

 out scent before them." 



" Oh, no ; they don't do that. Something has been 

 there in the night." 



