A table, two stools, and a truckle bed without straw or covering made up the furniture; but Peridol, after glancing round, ordered one of the men to fetch a truss of straw and the other to bring up a pitcher of wine.
While they were gone Tavannes and he stood silently waiting, until, observing that the captive's eyes sought the window, the lieutenant laughed.
"No bars ?" he said.

"No, Monsieur, and no need of them.

You will not go by that road, bars or no bars." "What is below ?" Count Hannibal asked carelessly.

"The river ?" "Yes, Monsieur," with a grin; "but not water.

Mud, and six feet of it, soft as Christmas porridge, but not so sweet.