160 A MONTH IN THE FORESTS OF FRANCE. 



hounds must run together to assail and stop him. 

 Unheld and untouched, though tired and slow, of course 

 he will " lop on " for ever, just as a fox would do, if 

 the hounds did not kill him. 



Not being able to hear anything of the old wolf's 

 diversion, or, on her part, premeditated ruse to save 

 her cubs, I continued slowly on my road home, 

 when, on entering Neufchatel, a crowd of little boys 

 soon followed the croup of my groom, on which was 

 strapped the unconscious creature of their hereditary 

 terror. Arrived at the town, I bade my servant 

 lead to the best hotel, when he turned into what I 

 took at first sight to be a hovel, but soon found out 

 that it was the principal inn. The day having been 

 a very long one for my horse, and as it was wearing 

 late, I resolved, while he discussed a feed of corn, 

 that I and my groom would dine ; so, bidding him 

 get what he liked, my very nice hostess appeared to 

 take my commands in regard to my personal re- 

 freshment. Ducks were offered me, with soup and 

 bouilli, and some fried potatoes. '* Where is the 

 duck ? " I said, after my strange fashion, and with a 

 glance at some waddlers enjoying themselves in a 

 treacle-coloured puddle at the stable door. '* La ? " 

 I exclaimed, pointing to the living creatures. " Mais 

 non, Monsieur. La !" pointing to the house. ** Ou 



