Next morning they rose at daybreak, and resolving to anticipate
their fellow-lodgers, bespoke post-horses as soon as they could be
admitted into the city; so that, when our company appeared, their
beasts were ready in the yard, and they only waited to discuss the
bill, which they had ordered to be made out. The landlord of the
inn presented his carte with fear and trembling to one of those
ferocious cavaliers, who no sooner cast his eye upon the sum total,
than he discharged a volley of dreadful oaths, and asked if the
king's officers were to be treated in that manner? The poor publican
protested, with great humility, that he had the utmost respect for
his majesty, and everything that belonged to him; and that, far
from consulting his own interest, all that he desired was, to be
barely indemnified for the expense of their lodging.
This condescension seemed to have no other effect than that of
encouraging their arrogance. They swore his extortion should be
explained to the commandant of the town, who would, by making him
a public example, teach other innkeepers how to behave towards men
of honour; and threatened with such confidence of indignation, that
the wretched landlord, dreading the consequence of their wrath,
implored pardon in the most abject manner, begging, with many
supplications, that he might have the pleasure of lodging them at
his own charge.
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