Page:Devil stories - an anthology.djvu/189

 BY ALPHONSE DAUDET

I

"Two truffled turkeys, Garrigou?"

"Yes, your reverence, two magnificent turkeys, stuffed with truffles. I should know something about it, for I myself helped to fill them. One would have said their skin would crack as they were roasting, it is that stretched. …"

"Jesu-Maria! I who like truffles so much! … Quick, give me my surplice, Garrigou. … And have you seen anything else in the kitchen besides the turkeys?"

"Yes, all kinds of good things. … Since noon, we have done nothing but pluck pheasants, hoopoes, barnfowls, and woodcocks. Feathers were flying about all over. … Then they have brought eels, gold carp, and trout out of the pond, besides. …"

"What size were the trout, Garrigou?"

"As big as that, your reverence. … Enormous!"

"Oh heavens! I think I see them. … Have you put the wine in the vessels?" [167]