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 and offered it to his master, who emptied it to the health of his guest. Frank did not fail to pledge him, and after he had also emptied the goblet, the knight asked: “What do you think of this wine?”

“It’s poor stuff,” replied Frank, “if it is your best, but tolerably good, if it is only your table drink.”

“You are a connoisseur,” answered Sir Egbert, and bid the butler bring some of the best.

When Frank had tasted this, he said: “That is a noble beverage, let us keep to this.”

The goblets were filled accordingly, and the knight and his guest drank together, till both became merry and pleased with each other. Sir Egbert began to talk of his campaigns, and told his guest how he had fought against the Venetians, broke through their encampments, and had killed them like so many sheep. This subject awakened the enthusiasm of the old soldier; he threw down bottles and glasses, brandished the carving-knife like a sword, and pressed so close on his companion, that the latter began to fear for his nose and ears.