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 MOTHER BERTHA'S STORIES Reynard had been ringed and shot ; his funeral was celebrated at the bailiffs, and in the evening the festivities wound up with a dance. In consideration of the day's work, the acquired glory, and the five miles' journey I had before me, wc got permission to break up soon after eleven, and the bailifF offered me in the bargain a horse and sledge. It was an offer worthy of all honour ; but as the road was twice as long as the way I had come on my snowshoes I preferred this direct route, and with the fox and the gun on my back, and the staff in my hand, I set out homewards. The snow was in splendid condition for my mode of travelling ; there had been a little sunshine during the day and the chill of the evening