“Exactly.”

“Let us see, Finnin. Had you been drinking?”

“To speak honestly, a little, Monsieur.”

“That is right—be honest. Do you know where Carassol’s oxen were standing?”

“Near the watering-trough.”

“And you wish my opinion in the matter? Listen. Carassol must assist you to recover the oxen, and you must make a diligent search for them.”

“But I have paid for the beasts.”

“Then Carassol is in the right.”

“I will go to law about it.”

“You will lose the case, my boy.”