Longears smelt at the chestnut in his master's grasp, his cold muzzle nearly touching it.
The stone crashed down.
Longears made a terrific spring backwards, and retiring to some distance rubbed his nose vigorously with his paws, looking all the while with dignified reproach at his master.
The nose had not suffered, however, and Longears was soon appeased and in a good humor again. The incident caused a great accession of laughter, and after this the chestnuts having been eaten, the party rose to walk on.
CHAPTER XL.
UNDER THE GREENWOOD TREE.
"How, sir."
"Well, madam."
"Keep your promise."
"Please to indicate it."