All three were villainous-looking men, dark-skinned and heavy-browed. One had a livid weal across his cheek, while another was deeply pitted with smallpox.  The third had his face nearly concealed in a dark beard that grew so high on his cheek as almost to meet his eyebrows.  Their clothes were old and ragged; their belongings were limited to a small bundle that was placed by each man’s side.  Three large tankards, lying upset on the floor, showed that their refreshment had been copious, while the reek of strong spirits hung around them like an invisible cloud.