“That may be,” replied Coulon; and he proceeded to pronounce his judgment.
But here Foureau, who represented the public administration, arose. They had outraged the gamekeeper in the exercise of his functions. If no regard were shown for propriety, everything would be destroyed.
“In short, may it please Monsieur the Justice of the Peace to apply the maximum penalty.”
This was ten francs, in the form of damages to Sorel.
“Bravo!” exclaimed Bouvard.
“Impose on them, in addition, a fine of five francs for having been guilty of the contravention mentioned by the public administration.”
Pécuchet turned around to the audience:
“The fine is a trifle to the rich man, but a disaster to the poor man. As for myself, it matters nothing to me.”
And he presented the appearance of defying the court.