The tanner's wife, assisted by two or three of the women, was busy at the great fire on the hearth, over which hung some huge pots in which broth and porridge were being prepared.
One by one, the men dropped in.

No news had yet been heard as to the decision of the council.

It was dark when the tanner himself entered.

His face was stern and pale.
"It is settled," he said shortly.

"The council have broken up.