Page 449 of 788

Here the Seneschal paused, and, raising his right hand, asked the

Chamberlain for his snuffbox; he took several pinches, but did

not vouchsafe to finish his tale, as though he wished to sharpen

the curiosity of his hearers. At last he was beginning-when that

tale, so curious and so diligently hearkened to, was again

interrupted! For some one had unexpectedly sent a man to the

Judge, with the message that he was waiting on business that

brooked no delay. The Judge, wishing them good night, bade

farewell to the company: immediately they scattered in various

directions; some went into the house to sleep, others into the

barn, to rest on the hay; the Judge went to give audience to the

traveller.