And at each new toast Ulenspiegel filled up the glass of the innkeeper, who emptied it straightway.
Ulenspiegel looked at him for some time, then rose and said to Lamme: “Come, Lamme, it is time for us to be off. He is asleep.” But when they were outside, “He has no wife,” Ulenspiegel continued. “We are safe. The night is at hand. Did you hear what the rascal said? And do you rightly understand who these three preachers are? Do you realize that they are to come along the bank of the Meuse from Marche-les-Dames, and that it will be our part to await them on the road? And then for Vent d’acier—Wind of Lead—to start his whistling?”
“Yes,” said Lamme.
“It is for us to save the Prince’s life,” said Ulenspiegel.
“Yes,” said Lamme.
“Wait,” said Ulenspiegel. “You take my arquebus, and go and hide in the undergrowth among the rocks. Load it with two shots, and shoot when you hear me caw and crow.”
“I will,” said Lamme.
And so saying he disappeared into the undergrowth. And Ulenspiegel could hear quite clearly the click of the gun as Lamme loaded it.
“Do you see them coming?” he asked presently.
“I see them,” answered Lamme. “There are three of them, marching together like soldiers, and one of them is much taller than the others.”