Not that Hugot was by any means a noted hunter--quite the contrary--nor a warrior neither, notwithstanding he had been a _chasseur a cheval_, and wore such fierce moustachios.

All this his old Colonel knew very well; and therefore did not much insist upon sending Hugot with them.
Hugot's talents shone best in another sphere of action--in the _cuisine_.

There Hugot was at home, for he could compound an omelette, fricassee a chicken, or dress a _canard aux olives_, with Monsieur Soyer himself.

But Hugot--although for many years he had accompanied his old and young masters in the chase--had no taste whatever for hunting.

He had a wholesome dread of bears and panthers, and as to Indians ...