The landlord had a chat apart with his cousin, who then came forward to where they were sitting at a table.
"My cousin tells me you want to go to Bordeaux, and are willing to help load my boat, and to carry the barrels to the warehouse at Bordeaux, in return for a passage.

Well, I agree to the bargain.
The warehouse is not very far from the wharf, but the men there charge an extortionate price." "We will do your work," Jacques said.
"But how am I to know that, when you land, you will not slip away without fulfilling your share of the bargain ?" the farmer asked.
"You look honest fellows, but soldiers are not gentry to be always depended upon.

I mean no offence, but business is business, you know." Jacques put his hand in his pocket.
"Here is a crown," he said.

"I will hand it over to you, as earnest.

If we do not do your work, you can keep that to pay the hire of the men to carry your barrels." "That is fair enough," the farmer said, pocketing the coin.