To console the losers, I ordered the hostess to bring a pint of wine to each of them; but in spite of my generosity the villains looked at me angrily, and seemed to excite each other to take revenge upon me.

They strove to pick a quarrel.

They were like a band of thieves and assassins; but the rascals saw with whom they had to deal.

My defiant look, my bold words, my intrepid countenance, kept them at a respectful distance from me.

Suddenly the dreaded Bufferio entered the cellar.