features were handsome; and the whiteness of his stout throat was well
set off by a black cravat, a fact which Wilhelm showed jestingly to
Prosper."

Here Monsieur Taillefer drank another glass of water.]

Prosper courteously proposed that the merchant should share their
supper, and Wahlenfer accepted the offer without ceremony, like a man
who feels himself able to return a civility. He placed his valise on
the floor and put his feet on it, took off his hat and gloves and
removed a pair of pistols from his belt; the landlord having by this
time set a knife and fork for him, the three guests began to satisfy
their appetites in silence. The atmosphere of this room was hot and
the flies were so numerous that Prosper requested the landlord to open
the window looking toward the outer gate, so as to change the air.
This window was barricaded by an iron bar, the two ends of which were
inserted into holes made in the window casings. For greater security,
two bolts were screwed to each shutter. Prosper accidentally noticed
the manner in which the landlord managed these obstacles and opened
the window.

As I am now speaking of localities, this is the place to describe to
you the interior arrangements of the inn; for, on an accurate
knowledge of the premises depends an understanding of my tale. The
public room in which the three persons I have named to you were
sitting, had two outer doors. One opened on the main road to
Andernach, which skirts the Rhine. In front of the inn was a little
wharf, to which the boat hired by the merchant for his journey was
moored. The other door opened upon the courtyard of the inn. This
courtyard was surrounded by very high walls and was full, for the time