ome, Monsieur
Peyrolles," he said. Then, pointing with an air of introduction to the
fantastic, many-colored, huge-hatted, big-booted gang of ruffians ranged
about the table, he added, "My children."

In the dim light Peyrolles peered derisively at the different members of
the party. "They seem a choice set of ruffians," he observed, with the
labored impertinence that seemed to him a copy of his master's
nonchalance.

Staupitz laughed thickly. "No better blades between here and world's
end." He pointed first at his comrades, as if to imply that he spoke
allegorically; then he pointed to the row of rapiers dangling against the
wall, to prove that he also spoke practically and by the card.

"After all," said Peyrolles, "that is the important matter. I come to
tell you how to earn your pay."

By this time Staupitz and the others had resumed their seats and were
staring fixedly at Peyrolles, something to that worthy personage's
embarrassment. Staupitz having said his say, dropped into silence, and
Cocardasse leaned forward, asserting himself. "We are all attention," he
declared; and Passepoil, faithful echo by his side, murmured, "We are all
attention," and allowed himself to wonder what had become of Martine, and
to regret that business did not permit him to go to look for her.

Peyrolles began to explain. "Wait in the moat to-night at ten o'clock."

Staupitz interrupted him. "Ten o'clock?" he cried. "The devil! it will be
pretty dark by ten."

"I think there should be a moon about ten," AEsop observed, quietly, with
his exasperating air of all knowledge.

"Yes, yes," Peyrolles went on, sharply, irritated at being stayed in his
instructions, "there will be a moon, no doubt, but we do not want too
much light for this business. Well, then, wait in the moat at ten. I do
not think you will have to wait long. Then, or thenabouts, a cavalier
coming by the mountain road will tie his horse to a tree beyond the
bridge that spans the ravine. He will cross the bridge and walk to yonder
window hard by the postern."

Peyrolles paused as if he had nothing more to say, and took it for
granted that his hearers understood his drift. But one of them seemed to
desire more explicit information.

"Then," said Cocardasse--"then we are to accost him."

Peyrolles nodded. "Very politely--and earn your money." He turned upon
his heel now, for he relished the Inn room little, and its company less,
being a fastidious lackey, and made to