Then he went to one of the small inns patronized by the peasants who brought their goods into market, and without difficulty bargained with one of them for the purchase of a cart with two oxen, which were to remain at the inn until he called for them.

Then he bought a suit of peasant's clothes, after which, well satisfied with the day's work, he returned to his lodging.

In the morning he again met the servant.
"It was well I asked," she said, "for the sentry had orders to prevent any, save nobles and officers, from passing in.

However, I went to the prison, and saw one of the governor's deputies, and told him that the count was fretting because his clock had stopped, and, as while I said so I slipped five ducats the countess had given me for the purpose into his hand, he made no difficulty about giving me the pass.

Here it is.
Now," she said, "I have earned my twenty ducats." "You have earned them well," Malcolm replied, handing them to her.
"Now mind," she said, "you must not count on me farther.