As I watched, the three
fellows went into the inn, for the day was hot and they were
thirsty after their labour. Quick as a flash I darted out from
my hiding-place, climbed on to the waggon, and crept into one of
the empty casks.
It had a bottom but no top, and it lay upon its side with the
open end inward. There I crouched like a dog in its kennel, my
knees drawn up to my chin, for the barrels were not very large
and I am a well-grown man. As I lay there, out came the three
peasants again, and presently I heard a crash upon the top of me
which told that I had another barrel above me. They piled them
upon the cart until I could not imagine how I was ever to get out
again. However, it is time to think of crossing the Vistula when
you are over the Rhine, and I had no doubt that if chance and my
own wits had carried me so far they would carry me farther.
Soon, when the waggon was full, they set forth upon their way,
and I within my barrel chuckled at every step, for it was
carrying me whither I wished to go.
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