However, one of his friends, M. Larsoneur, advocate, member of the bar
at Lisieux, and archaeologist, would probably supply them with
information about it. He had written a history of Port-en-Bessin, in
which the discovery of an alligator was noticed.

Bouvard and Pecuchet exchanged glances: the same hope took possession of
both; and, in spite of the heat, they remained standing a long time
questioning the ecclesiastic, who sheltered himself from the sun under a
blue cotton umbrella. The lower part of his face was rather heavy, and
his nose was pointed. He was perpetually smiling, or bent his head while
he closed his eyelids.

The church-bell rang the Angelus.

"A very good evening, gentlemen! You will allow me, will you not?"

At his suggestion they waited three weeks for Larsoneur's reply. At
length it arrived.

The name of the man who had dug up the tooth of the mastodon was Louis
Bloche. Details were wanting. As to his history, it was comprised in one
of the volumes of the Lisieux Academy, and he could not lend his own
copy, as he was afraid of spoiling the collection. With regard to the
alligator, it had been discovered in the month of November, 1825, under
the cliff of the Hachettes of Sainte-Honorine, near Port-en-Bessin, in
the arrondissement of Bayeux. His compliments followed.

The obscurity that enshrouded the mastodon provoked in Pecuchet's mind a
longing to search for it. He would fain have gone to Villers forthwith.

Bouvard objected that, to save themselves a possibly useless and
certainly expensive journey, it would be desirable to make inquiries. So
they wrote a letter to the mayor of the district, in which they asked
him what had become of one Louis Bloche. On the assumption of his death,
his descendants or collateral relations might be able to enlighten them
as to his precious discovery, when he made it, and in what public place
in the township this testimony of primitive times was deposited? Were
there any prospects of finding similar ones? What was the cost of a man
and a car for a day?

And vainly did they make application to the deputy-mayor, and then to
the first municipal councillor. They received no news from Villers. No
doubt the inhabitants were jealous about their fossils--unless they had
sold them to the English. The journey to the Hachettes was determined
upon.

Bouvard and Pecuchet took the public conveyance from Falaise to Caen.
Then a covered car brought them from Caen to Baye