But Travers, who was a prudent man, rose from his bed to make sure of all his goods. He came to the kneading trough, and raising it a little from the ground, felt the bacon safely beneath. Then taking a great axe in his hand he went out to visit his cow in her byre.
Barat came swiftly to the bed, like the bold and cunning thief he was.
"Marion," said he, "fair sister, I have a certain thing to ask you, but dare not do so, for fear you think me mad."
"That I will never deem you, husband, by St. Paul; but I will counsel you to the best of my power."
"I slept so soundly that I cannot remember where we bestowed the bacon yester night, so bemused am I with dreams."
"God help you, husband, to find more seasonable jests; is it not hid beneath the bin upon the floor?"
"In God's name, sister, you speak truly, and I will go to feel if it is yet there."
Being desirous to keep his word, Barat lifted the trough and drew forth the bacon. Then he rejoined Haimet, who was near by, and the two thieves hastened towards the coppice, making much of each other because of the success of their trick.
Now Travers returned to his bed, first carefully fastening his doors.