Steps were heard. A leude appeared followed by slaves bearing baskets and bowls.
"Boys! Here's some beer for you, also wine, venison, bread and cheese. Eat, drink and be merry. The son of the King is on a visit at the burg."
"Three cheers for Sigefrid, wine, beer and venison!"
"But keep a close watch on the prisoners—let not one of you step aside—keep your eyes wide open."
"Oh, those dogs do not move any more down there than if they had fallen asleep forever under the cold ground, where they will be to-morrow. You need not fear, Sigefrid."
"Outside of the seigneur King, the bishop or Neroweg, whosoever should approach the iron railing to speak with the prisoners—"
"Will instantly fall under our axes, Sigefrid—they are sharp and heavy."
"At the slightest event, let the horns blow the alarm—we shall then immediately rush to your aid."
"Those are all wise precautions, Sigefrid, but superfluous. The bridge is raised; besides, the slime in the fosse is so deep that anyone trying to cross it would sink over his head in it. Finally, there are no strangers at the burg. Including the King's bodyguard we are more than three hundred armed men—who would attempt to free the prisoners under such circumstances? Moreover they are as incapable of walking as a rabbit whose four paws have been cut off. So you see, Sigefrid, your precautions, however wise, are superfluous."
"All the same, keep close watch until to-morrow. It is only one night of watch to you."