“No, captain,” says Guy.
“Welcome to anyone who is in the employ of the State, civil or military.”
“I would like a room and bed.”
“Impossible!”
“Impossible?”
“Yes; my house has been crowded all day.”
“You must give me a cot.”
“Well, a cot over the stable. My house has been full—you have heard the news! The great drinking bout takes place to-morrow between our celebrated artist, Frans Floris and the Six Drunkards of Brussels. People have come from the neighboring places to see [[45]]it. A delegation is here from Brussels itself. It is rumored that the Duke in person will arrive to-morrow. Perhaps he will honor me—perhaps he will come to see the greatest drinking bout that has ever taken place in Flanders, Brabant or Holland! I shall have twenty barrels of Rhine wine on tap.”
“Twenty barrels for six drunkards?” laughs Chester.
“Oh no; all the town will be here, all the town will get drunk also!”