صفحة 286 من 788

The Notary drooped his gloomy brow towards his breast; the

Assessor glanced around, but in no merry mood. Then they began to

explain to the audience how their greyhounds were not used to

going without leashes, how the hare had started out suddenly, how

it was a poor chase over the ploughed field, where the dogs ought

to have had boots, it was all so covered with flints and sharp

stones.

They learnedly elucidated the matter, as experienced masters of

hounds; from their words the hunters might have profited greatly,

but they did not listen attentively; some began to whistle,

others to titter; others, remembering the bear, talked about

that, being still occupied by the recent hunt.

The Seneschal had hardly once glanced at the hare: seeing that it

had escaped, he indifferently turned his head and finished his

interrupted discourse:-