Some sailors who had been playing at dice had started a quarrel, and were threatening each other furiously.

The host, hostess, and two lads were watching with anxiety the circle of these angry gamblers, from the midst of which war seemed ready to break forth, bristling with knives and hatchets.

The play, nevertheless, was continued.

A stone bench was occupied by two men, who appeared thence to watch the door; four tables, placed at the back of the common chamber, were occupied by eight other individuals.

Neither the men at the door, nor those at the tables took any part in the play or the quarrel.