"Ah!" said Lenhart, "this one wisely keeps his distance."
"It does not follow," replied the sportsman.
"You don't expect to hit at that distance, do you?"
"Have you still to learn, my friend, you who profess to be able to shoot, that to a good shot and a good gun distance is of small importance? Now, watch!"
Then, having altered the charges in his gun the young man enquired:
"Do you know all about the manners and customs of hares, Lenhart?"
"Why, yes, I think I know all any one can know who can't speak their language."
"Well, I can tell you this. A startled hare, if not pursued, will run about fifty paces and will then sit down to have a look round and perform his toilet. Look!"
And in fact, the hare, which had run towards the carriage, instead of away from it, suddenly stopped, sat down, and began to wash its face with its forepaws. This predicted toilet cost the poor animal its life. A prompt shot and the hare bounded upwards and fell back dead.
"Beg pardon, Excellency," said Lenhart, "but if we are going to war as it is said we are, on which side will you be?"