Maître Hauchecorne, a stingy peasant, picks up a piece of string at the market in Goderville. Shortly after, a wallet theft is announced, and despite his denials, Hauchecorne is accused by his rival, Maître Malandain, of committing the crime. The wallet is eventually found and returned, but the townspeople continue to believe in Hauchecorne's guilt. Desperate to prove his innocence, his efforts make him look ridiculous. Consumed by injustice and public scorn, he falls ill and dies, a victim of a destructive rumor.

Now upset because of his reputation as a cunning Norman, capable of what he was being accused of. His innocence appeared hopeless to prove, as his malice was well known. He felt the sting of injustice deeply.

From then on, he began recounting the incident, adding more details each day, crafting his arguments, and making his defense increasingly elaborate. But his obsession with the piece of string consumed him. The townspeople dismissed his protests, calling them lies. Hauchecorne’s spirit deteriorated, and his health weakened as the ridicule continued. This excerpt further emphasizes the devastating impact of public scorn and false accusations on Hauchecorne, showcasing how the weight of injustice can destroy both body and mind. Yet no one was convinced that he was innocent.