"Oh, there is my darling, who says 'good-day' to his mamma," said La Chouette, ironically; and she descended a few steps to conceal her prize in some corner.
"I am hungry!" cried the Schoolmaster, in a voice trembling with rage; "do you mean I am to die here like a mad beast?"
"You are hungry, poor puss!" said La Chouette, shouting with laughter.
"Well, suck your thumb!"
The noise of a chain shaken violently was heard; then a sigh of restrained rage.
"Take care! take care! you will hurt your leg, poor dear papa!" said
Tortillard.
"The child is right; keep quiet, old pal," said the old woman; "the chain and rings are strong, old No-eyes; they come from old Micou, who only sells first rate articles. It is your own fault; for why did you allow yourself to be tied when you were asleep? Afterward there was nothing to be done, but to slip on the chain, and bring you down here, in this nice cool place, to preserve you, my sweet!"
"It's a shame—he'll grow mouldy," said Tortillard.
The chains were heard rattling anew.
"Oh, oh! he jumps like a ladybird, tied by the paw," cried the old woman. "I think I can see him."
"Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home! your house is on fire, and the
Schoolmaster is burning!" chanted Tortillard.