"Those are not the wisest people," he added sagely, "who despise what is good to try to get better.

So stick to the excellent Blue Pike wine and say no more about it!" Without waiting for an answer from the astonished guests, he limped back to his window to resume his listening.

The conversation, however, had already taken a new turn, for Dr.Peutinger was describing the Roman monument which he had had put up in the courtyard of his Augsburg house, but, as this interested Dietel very little, he soon turned his attention to the high road, whence a belated guest might still come to The Blue Pike.
The landlady's little kitchen garden lay between it and the river Main, and there--no, it was no deception--there, behind the low hawthorn hedge, a human figure was moving.
One of the vagabonds had certainly slipped into the garden to steal fruit or vegetables, or even honey from the bee hives.

An unprecedented offence! Dietel's blood boiled, for the property of The Blue Pike was as dear to him as his own.
With prompt decision he went through the entry into the yard, where he meant to unchain the butcher's dog to help him chase the abominable robber.

But some time was to elapse ere he could execute this praiseworthy intention; for before he could cross the threshold the landlord of The Pike appeared, berated him, and ordered him to be more civil in the performance of his duties.