As I was returning, towards the evening, I overtook the old man, who was wending in the same direction.

'Good evening to you, sir,' said I, taking off a cap which I wore on my head.

'Good evening,' said the old man; and then, looking at me, 'How's this ?' said he, 'you aren't, sure, the child I met in the morning ?' 'Yes,' said I, 'I am; what makes you doubt it ?' 'Why, you were then all froth and conceit,' said the old man, 'and now you take off your cap to me.' 'I beg your pardon,' said I, 'if I was frothy and conceited; it ill becomes a child like me to be so.' 'That's true, dear,' said the old man; 'well, as you have begged my pardon, I truly forgive you.' 'Thank you,' said I; 'have you caught any more of those things ?' 'Only four or five,' said the old man; 'they are getting scarce, though this used to be a great neighbourhood for them.' 'And what do you do with them ?' said I; 'do you carry them home and play with them ?' 'I sometimes play with one or two that I tame,' said the old man; 'but I hunt them mostly for the fat which they contain, out of which I make unguents which are good for various sore troubles, especially for the rheumatism.' 'And do you get your living by hunting these creatures ?' I demanded.

'Not altogether,' said the old man; 'besides being a viper-hunter, I am what they call a herbalist, one who knows the virtue of particular herbs; I gather them at the proper season, to make medicines with for the sick.' 'And do you live in the neighbourhood ?' I demanded.

'You seem very fond of asking questions, child.