A smile of affection, a look of sympathy began to appear on the rough, bark-like countenances of the suspicious rustics.

For a long time Desnoyers had been on bad terms with the entire village.

He had harshly insisted on his rights, showing no tolerance in matters touching his property.

He had spoken many times of bringing suit against the mayor and sending half of the neighborhood to prison, so his enemies had retaliated by treacherously invading his lands, poaching in his hunting preserves, and causing him great trouble with counter-suits and involved claims.

His hatred of the community had even united him with the priest because he was on terms of permanent hostility with the mayor.