About Noon
When 't was Time to go to Rest , they were conducted into a Bed-chamber richly furnish 'd ; and the next Morning two Pieces of Gold were presented to him for their mutual Service , by a Valet in waiting ; and then they were dismiss 'd . The Proprietor of this Castle , said _ Zadig _ , as they were upon the Road , seems to me to be a very hospitable Gentleman ; tho ' somewhat too haughty indeed , and too imperious : The Words were no sooner out of his Mouth , but he perceiv 'd that the Pocket of his Comrade 's Garment , tho ' very large , was swell 'd , and greatly extended : He soon saw what was the Cause , and that he had clandestinely brought off the Golden Laver . He durst not immediately take Notice of the Fact ; but was ready to sink at the very Thoughts o n't . About Noon , the Hermit rapp 'd at a petty Cottage with his Staff , the beggarly Residence of an old , rich Miser . He desir 'd that he and his Companion might refresh themselves there for a few Hours . An old , shabby Domestick let them in indeed , but with visible Reluctance , and carried them into the Stable , where all their Fare was a few musty Olives , and a Draught or two of sower small Beer . The Hermit seem 'd as content with his Repast , as he was the Night before .