This 1857 fantasy novel is set in Dumas' native town of Villers-Cotterêts in 1780, and is based on a local folk-tale the author heard as a child. The story concerns Thibault, a shoe-maker, who is beaten by the gamekeeper of the Lord of Vez for interfering with his hunting. Afterwards he encounters an enormous wolf, walking on hind legs like a man, who offers him vengeance. Thibault is granted the wish to harm any person in return for one of his own hairs for each wish. To seal the agreement, the two exchange rings.