"Is there any one among the peasants here who wears cloth dress, marten cap, or morocco boots?"
"Why not," replied the judge, "if our poverty would permit? not that we long for dyed cloth and morocco."
"It is not allowed; the states of the country have forbidden the peasants to wear clothes fitting their masters."
Now came the fifth question:
"Who were the people who acted contrary to the decision of the states that the peasants should exterminate the sparrows, and mocked those who were appointed to collect the sparrows' heads?"
The judge advanced humbly toward the Lieutenant:
"Believe me, my great and good lord, on account of the drought the sparrows have all left the country. Say to the Prince that we have not been able to find one single one all summer long."
"That is a lie," said Clement.
"It is just as I say," persisted the judge, seizing Clement by the hand and skilfully pressing into it two silver groschen.
"It is not impossible," said the Lieutenant, appeased. "Finally, answer this question: Has any one of you seen wandering about in this region, foreign animals, beasts of prey from other countries?"