Page:Storys of the three beggars (1).pdf/4

 money, yet each was confident his comrade had got it. Thus, after many thanks and good wishes to the horseman, they resumed their march, full of spirits; but at the same time slackening their pace.

The churchman feigned also to proceed on his journey : but at some distance he alighted, and delivering his horse to the care of his valet, directed him to wait his arrival at the gates of Compiegne : he then gently approached the beggars, and followed them, to watch the issue of the adventure.

When they no longer heard the noise of horses, the leader of this little band halted.

“Comrades,” said he, “we have made a good day’s work; and I think we had best return to Compiegne, and spend the money this good Christian hath given us. It is a long time since we have had a carousal: and now we have enough to enjoy ourselves completely, let us think of nothing but pleasure.

On their arrival in town, they heard cry of “Good wine!—wine of Soisons !—wine of Auxerre!—fish and good fare! Walk in gentlemen ; pray walk in.”

They would not go any farther, but entered the first house; and after having cautioned the people not to judge of their means by their outward appearance, (in the tone of men who derive confidence from the weight of their