Reynard, pretending to take the cat's moans for cries of joy, banteringly inquired whether that was the way they sang at court, as the caterwauling grew louder.
These sounds finally reached the ears of little Martin, who, accompanied by his father, came into the barn to catch the intruder.

Poor Hintze, frightened at the sight of the bludgeon the parson carried, flew at his legs, scratching and biting him, until the saintly man fainted.

Then, taking advantage of the confusion, Hintze managed to slip out of the noose and effect his escape.

He returned to court minus one eye, and there poured out the story of his wrongs.
[Sidenote: Reynard and the badger.] The wrath of the king was now terrible to behold, and assembling his council, he bade them decide how he should punish the wretch who had twice ill treated his messengers.

Grimbart the badger, seeing that public opinion was decidedly against his relative, now begged that a third summons should be sent, and offered to carry the message himself.