sting studies, but
that politics, the General Council, agriculture, a veritable whirlwind,
drove him away from them.

"After you, however, one would have merely gleanings, for soon you will
have captured all the curiosities of the department."

"Without vanity, we think so," said Pecuchet.

However, one might still discover some at Chavignolles; for example,
there was, close to the cemetery wall in the lane, a holy-water basin
buried under the grass from time immemorial.

They were pleased with the information, then exchanged a significant
glance--"Is it worth the trouble?"--but already the Count was opening
the door.

Melie, who was behind it, fled abruptly.

As he passed out of the house into the grounds, he observed Gorju
smoking his pipe with folded arms.

"You employ this fellow? I would not put much confidence in him in a
time of disturbance."

And M. de Faverges sprang lightly into his tilbury.

Why did their servant-maid seem to be afraid of him?

They questioned her, and she told them she had been employed on his
farm. She was that little girl who poured out drink for the harvesters
when they came there two years before. They had taken her on as a help
at the chateau, and dismissed her in consequence of false reports.

As for Gorju, how could they find fault with him? He was very handy, and
showed the utmost consideration for them.

Next day, at dawn, they repaired to the cemetery. Bouvard felt with his
walking-stick at the spot indicated. They heard the sound of a hard
substance. They pulled up some nettles, and discovered a stone basin, a
baptismal font, out of which plants were sprouting. It is not usual,
however, to bury baptismal fonts outside churches.

Pecuchet made a sketch of it; Bouvard wrote out a description of it; and
they sent both to Larsoneur. His reply came immediately.

"Victory, my dear associates! Unquestionably, it is a druidical bowl!"

However, let them be careful about the matter. The axe was doubtful; and
as much for his sake as for their own, he pointed out a series of works
to be consulted.

In a postscript, Larsoneur confessed his longing to have a look at this
bowl, which opportunity would be afforded him in a few days, when he
would be starting on a trip from Brittany.

Then Bouvard and Pecuchet plunged into Celtic archaeology.

According to this science, the ancient Gauls, our ancestors, adored Kirk
and Kron, Taranis Esus, Nelalemnia, Heaven and Earth, the Wi