So, annoyed and irritated as I was, I
checked my own feelings and said,--
"I think it is altogether a misunderstanding! I have no intention of
breaking any regulations. I was not aware that a dog's death would
be a matter where the law would interfere."
The fury on the purple face opposite me subsided somewhat.
"Is it then possible," he said, more quietly, "that you are in
ignorance of our rule, that, when any animal dies in a private
dwelling-house, the fact shall be notified within twelve hours to
the police, in order that the dead body may be immediately removed?"
All eyes fixed upon me with breathless uncertainty.
"Certainly," I said, "I did not know of the regulation. If I had, I
should have complied with it. There is no similar rule in England."
A great change took place in the official's manner. His face
cleared, and he waved his arm with a gesture of magnificent
condescension. His whole attitude expressed clearly that so
enlightened and cultured a person as himself was in the habit of
making every allowance for any poor, benighted pagan like me.
"Well, M'sieur; well, I accept your statement, and I withdraw my
expressions of a moment back. But think, M'sieur, of the risk to
which your conduct has exposed others. Think of the pollution of the
air, the contamination of the atmosphere! Think, M'sieur, of the
typhoid! the fever!! the cholera!!!"
He looked round upon the others, and a sympathetic shudder of horror
passed over them.
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