102 NATURAL HISTOkY OF THE PHEASANT 



within his legal rights. ' Cannot we get rid of him in 

 some way ? ' asked the Prince. ' If he were a public 

 official, he could be transferred to another post,' said 

 the Chancellor. ' AVhat a bright idea ! ' exclaimed the 

 Prince ; ' he has asked for a post — give him one as far 

 off as possible, say, in the HautesPyrdn^es. He can 

 kill plenty of ibex there. Only let him start off at 

 once, and do not let them give him any leave of ab- 

 sence to return home.' So the difficulty was solved 

 m a manner acceptable to both parties. The Prince 

 kept his game in peace and safety, while the collector 

 of taxes divided his time between the duties of his 

 new post and the more exciting pleasures of tracking 

 ibex on the high snowfields. 



