Part 1, Search for the Father, Etienne Summary

Uncle Etienne, or Ernest, is Jacques' uncle and Lucie's brother. He is fully deaf, but can make some sounds and form words and short sentences. He is a very handsome man as well, and the people around him love him very much. He tells Jacques that Henri was stubborn, but that is all he tells him.

Uncle Etienne uses his physical sensations to enjoy life. He loves physical activities such as swimming, eating and going to the bathroom. Anything with a physical sensation pleases him. Yet he has an acute sense of smell, but oddly enough, does not smell his stinky dog, Brilliant. As a child, Jacques and Etienne go on hunting trips. They ride the train with Etienne's friends and their dogs. They arrive at the hunting spot, split off into pairs...