Pierre, who was in a field at the moment, wrenched up a big turnip, and casting it into a swamp at the feet of the girl, cried out:—
"Take it—'tis there!"
And while the girl sought the instrument, he continued on his way.
With both her eyes she looked, but of Pierre's instrument could perceive no vestige. Anon she sat down on the edge of the swamp and gave herself up to tears. Presently there chanced to pass the vicar, who made inquiry as to the cause of her grief.
"Oh! thy reverence!" she made answer. "The instrument hath fallen in the swamp and I cannot recover it. A sad pity, for 'tis a precious instrument and cost three or four hundred francs."
"Let us both seek," quoth the vicar. "I will aid thee."
He tucked up his gown, and both fell to seeking in the swamp, which was somewhat deep. Anon the girl turned her head, and perceived the vicar with his garments tucked up above his hips, cried out:—
"Ah! thy reverence! No need for further search! 'This thou who hast the instrument 'twixt thy legs!"
57
