midday
`` I know both these trees very well , '' said Edmond . `` Now , '' continued the huntsman , `` under the ash it is not safe . While I was yet a boy in the service of the father of the present lady of Castelnau , who almost always resided at Alais , for the castle was thought to be too lonely for her , I went out as I often did , to shoot hares : It was towards evening and a storm like that of to-day overtook me , I sought shelter under the great ash to escape getting wet through , but scarcely had I leaned against the trunk , gracious sir , than I was seized with indescribable agitation and fear , my heart began to beat , a tremor came over me , I was terrified -- I was compelled to quit my shelter -- I was wet through -- I returned , and again the same sensations under the tree ; it was not permitted to me to remain there , I was obliged to go into the open space while the rain was falling as if heaven and earth would come together . The next morning it was bright midday and summer weather , said I to myself , dolt ! wert thou frightened because it was dark , perhaps thou wert terrified at the claps of thunder ; wilt thou become a noble huntsman if thou hast such little heart , -- so I went half laughing under the tree , I fancied myself sleeping under its shade , -- but no such thing ! I was seized with greater terror and agitation than ever , my teeth chattered and an icy coldness chilled me , I fled from the spot . -- I mentioned the circumstance to an old forester : ` Fool ! '