"I see that you are most diplomatic. That is wise. Well, we shall see."
With that, the conversation turns to other matters.
"You have come to Lille for the great braderie, no?"
When the adventurers express ignorance of this event, Peeters is amazed.
"But tomorrow is the first Sunday in September! Surely you know that the Braderie de Lille occurs on this date."
For those who may not be familiar with the term, braderies are yearly fairs and markets held throughout this part of Europe. The one in Lille is particularly famous, drawing many visitors from far away, and has been an annual event since the twelfth century.
"I am afraid you will have difficulty securing lodgings," Peeters explains. "If I can be of any assistance . . . '
As the coach approaches the town in can be seen that the streets are indeed crowded with visitors, as well as with sellers of all manner of merchandise and various entertainers, all preparing for the great event.