Stranica 31 [31]
YVON AND FINETTE
to lead them to the pasture, but before setting out be
ordered Yvon to go in the course of the day in search of his
horse, which was turned out to graze on the mountain.
" After that,” said he, bursting into a laugh, "you can rest
all day long. You see that I am a good master. Do your
task; and, above all things, don’t prowl about the house
or I will cut off your head."
Yvon winked his eye as the giant left. " Yes, you are a
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good master,” said he, between his teeth. “I understand
your tricks; but, in spite of your threats, I shall go mto
the house and talk with your Finette. It remains to be
seen whether she will not be more mine than yours."
He ran to the young girl’s room. “Hurrah!” cried he;
"1 have nothing to do all day but to go to the mountain
after a horse."
“Very well,” said Finette. "How will you set to work to
ride him?”
SA fine question,” returned Yvon. “As if it was a diffi¬
cult thing to ride a horse! I fancy that I have ridden
worse ones than this.”
“Tt is not so easy as you think,” replied Finette; “but I
will tell you what to do. Take the bit that hangs behind
the stable door, and, when the animal rushes toward you
breathing fire and smoke from his nostrils, force it straight
between his teeth; he will instantly become as gentle as a
lamb, and you can do what you please with him."
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