Hugo, putting a strong restraint on himself, obeyed, and was rewarded
on the serving-man's return with the promise that, as soon as the dog
came in and was tied, he might venture forth with Humphrey to explore
the region.
"Thou must know," remarked Humphrey, "that we be on the high bank. On
the other side of the valley sloping coppices abound, and therein can I
show thee many badger holes. Hast ever seen a badger hunt?"
"Nay," answered Hugo.
"I was but twenty years old," continued Humphrey, "when first I came
through these woods, and on the bank across the valley from this point
I did see a badger hunt. Three men and two dogs did I see, and they
five did at length dig out one badger. The old badger was inside the
hole taking his sleep, for it was ten o'clock in the morning. And a
badger not only sleepeth all day in summer, but day and night in
winter. Thou knowest that?"
"Yea," replied Hugo. And added that at his uncle's priory he had
occasionally eaten badger meat, which was very good.
"Cured like ham, was it?" inquired Humphrey.
"Yea," responded Hugo.
Humphrey nodded his head approvingly.
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