so terribly?' 'Ay can we,' answered the other. 'We are here
near a well, where there useth to be a rope and pulley and a great
bucket; let us go thither and we will wash him in a trice.'
Accordingly they made for the well in question and found the rope
there, but the bucket had been taken away; wherefore they took counsel
together to tie him to the rope and let him down into the well, so he
might wash himself there, charging him shake the rope as soon as he
was clean, and they would pull him up.

Hardly had they let him down when, as chance would have it, certain of
the watch, being athirst for the heat and with running after some
rogue or another, came to the well to drink, and the two rogues,
setting eyes on them, made off incontinent, before the officers saw
them. Presently, Andreuccio, having washed himself at the bottom of
the well, shook the rope, and the thirsty officers, laying by their
targets and arms and surcoats, began to haul upon the rope, thinking
the bucket full of water at the other end. As soon as Andreuccio found
himself near the top, he let go the rope and laid hold of the marge
with both hands; which when the officers saw, overcome with sudden
affright, they dropped the rope, without saying a word, and took to
their heels as quickliest they might. At this Andreuccio marvelled
sore, and but that he had fast hold of the marge, would have fallen to
the bottom, to his no little hurt or maybe death. However, he made his
way out and finding the arms, which he knew were none of his
companions' bringing, he was yet more amazed; but, knowing not what to
make of it and misdoubting [some snare], he determined to begone
without touching aught and accordingly made off he knew not whither,
bewailing his ill-luck.

As he went, he met his two comrades, who came to draw him forth of the
well; and when they saw him, they marvelled exceedingly and asked him
who had drawn him up. Andreuccio replied that he knew not and told
them orderly how it had happened and what he had found by the
wellside, whereupon the others, perceiving how the case stood, told
him, laughing, why they had fled and who these were that had pulled
him up. Then, without farther parley, it being now middle night, they
repaired to the cathedral and making their way thereinto lightly
enough, went straight to the archbishop's tomb, which was of marble
and very large. With their irons they raised the lid, which was very
heavy, and propped it up so as a