A large crowd had assembled before them. As Domenico called out each item from the list, the concerned parties stepped forward before Simon and took turns arguing the merits of their dispute against the opposing individual. Simon tried to render judgments that were fair and would set boundaries of conduct for all. By the sixth dispute, he was hard-pressed to stay focused. Merde. This was tedious in the extreme. Jules hadn’t jested when he’d told him these were mostly about chickens. Armand diligently recorded every dispute and resolution.“That was the last one, was it not?” Simon inquired, anxious to put an end to the tiresome task. Domenico shook his head. “No, I’m afraid. There is one more that was added at the last minute.”Simon sighed. “Domenico, tell me it isn’t over any more livestock.”“No, definitely not livestock…”“I am next, am I not?” Père Crotteau stepped out of the crowd to the middle of the square before the table of four.“Yes, you are. Proceed,”
