“Hugot, you must go to Saint Louis.”

Bien, mon Colonel!”

“You must start by the first boat.”

Très-bien, mon Colonel!”

“You must procure for me the skin of a white buffalo.”

“That will not be difficult, monsieur.”

“More difficult than you imagine, I fear.”

“With money, monsieur?”

“Ay, even with money, Hugot. Look you! It is a skin I want—not a robe—but a perfect skin with the head, feet, and all complete, and fit for stuffing.”

“Ah! mon Colonel! that is different.”