‘No better,’ said I; ‘but come a little nearer, and do me the favour to untie these cords.’
‘Ah, are you long fastened up there?’
‘The whole night,’ said I, in a lamentable accent, hoping to move his compassion the more speedily.
‘What fun!’ said he, chuckling. ‘Were there many squirrels about?’
‘Thousands of them. But, come, be quick and undo this, and I ‘ll tell you all about it.’
‘Gently, gently,’ said he, approaching with great caution about six inches nearer me. ‘When did the rabbits come out? Was it before day?’
‘Yes, yes, an hour before. But I’ll tell you everything when I ‘m loose. Be alive now, do!’
‘Why did you tie yourself so fast?’ said he eagerly, but not venturing to come closer.
‘Confound the fellow!’ said I passionately. ‘I didn’t tie myself; it was the—the——
‘Ah, I know; it was the mayor, old Pierre Bogout. Well, well, he knows best when you ought to be set free. Bonjour,’ and with that he began once more his infernal tune, and set out on his way as if nothing had happened; and though I called, prayed, swore, promised, and threatened with all my might, he never turned his head, but went on capering as before, and soon disappeared in the dark wood.