We set up our establishment on the highest point on the plain. We set our lure, and we waited for results.
[CHAPTER X]
Trapping larks—I wax strong in the matter of my compositions—The wounded partridge—I take the consequences whatever they are—The farm at Brassoire—M. Deviolaine's sally at the accouchement of his wife.
I wonder what learned ornithologist first discovered the vanity of larks? What profound philosopher guessed that by means of moving surfaces of bright metal or of glass larks would come and look at themselves, provided the surfaces shone, and the brighter the surface the more freely and quickly would they be attracted?
This delight in looking at themselves cost the life of twenty larks, and I was the executioner of six.
I fired quite thirty times in achieving this result, but M. Picot assured me that it was very good for a beginner and that I was a hopeful pupil.
M. Picot never attempted to take the trouble to load my gun, and no accident befell me.