The old man wrinkled his eyebrows and turned his face away.
Then they sat down to eat.
Nothing but vegetables was served, and after the vegetables came cheese. No flesh was to be seen, not a dish was there which required the assistance of a knife. Of beer and wine, however, there was no stint. The master of the house urged no one to eat, he left that to the housekeeper. She poured out for Michal beer and wine. Michal begged for water instead, but this they would not give her. They told her that the water of Zeb gave skin diseases to those who drank of it. So she had to sip beer.
During the meal no one broke silence, but after the first cup was drunk, the master of the house raised his voice.
"Did the rascals plunder your reverence as well?"
"We ourselves only escaped as by a miracle."
"They will receive their reward. Your reverence will see them the day after to-morrow."
Henry stared at him with astonishment.
"Yes, the soldiers have captured six of them, and these with some others will be executed the day after to-morrow."
Henry looked blankly at the old man, whose sharp eyes took in his astonishment at once.