WHERE IS THE DUCK? 161 



est la?" I said; '^permit me to see." So I was led 

 to a cupboard, and to my joy beheld one cold, but 

 already roasted. In a short time I found myself 

 seated in the common room at a little table, my 

 servant at another, and the sort of hashed duck and 

 potatoes were excellent. I had some more fun with 

 my hostess in finding out what it was best to drink, 

 and then ended with cognac and coffee. 



It was nearly dark after our hour's bait ; so, find- 

 ing Coco a little lame before, I proceeded at a foot's 

 pace, my groom perpetually urging me to trot, and 

 asking me if I was tired. " No," I said, " but my 

 horse is lame. I am not tired ; I do not think what 

 is most pleasant to myself, I think what is best for 

 my horse, so I will not go out of a foot's pace." 

 This seemed to puzzle my attendant completely, and 

 in passing through a little village he again rode up 

 and asked to look at Coco's foot. This I permitted, 

 when finding that to be case which I already knew, 

 that there was nothing in the foot, but that the 

 lameness proceeded from an old accident, I walked 

 my horse quietly on, but soon pulled up to ascertain 

 what on earth was happening to my follower. I 

 could hear muttered imprecations, as well as little 

 French expressions of entreaty, from the groom to 

 his horse to stand still, all being drowned in the 



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