Knowing Blaise's capacity, she had made ready so
great a quantity.
Saying not a word, she set down the platter on the ground before me.
"That is well," I said. "Now go back to the inn and step often to the
door, so that I can easily summon you again without attracting the
attention of the others. And get more wine ready."
The woman nodded, and went back to the inn.
The four ruffians made an immediate onslaught on the platter. De Berquin
and Francois ignored the food, that they might the sooner dip their mugs
into the bowl of wine. The other three speedily disposed of all the
eatables, and then joined in the drinking. De Berquin, in order to grasp
his mug, had let my arm go, but he retained his dagger in his other hand,
and each of his followers used but one hand in eating or drinking,
holding a weapon in the other.
"Look you, rascals!" said De Berquin to his men, presently. "Be careful
to keep your wits about you!"
"Rascals!" repeated the tall fellow, his pride awakened by his second mug
of wine. "By the bones of my ancestors, it goes against me to be so often
called rascal!"
Barbemouche saw an opportunity to retaliate for the fun that had been
made of his pretensions to beauty. "They whom the term fits," he growled,
"ought not to complain, if I endure it, who am a gentleman!"
Instantly the bearded giant was on his feet, with his huge sword poised
in the air.
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