次日，又来相请。
The following morning, he came again to invite Lin to his home.
因此，林冲得李小二家来往，不时间送汤送水来营里林冲吃。
From then on, Xiao?er and Lin called on each other frequently.
Xiao?er often sent tea or soup to Lin in the garrison.
林冲因见他两口儿恭勤孝顺，常把些银两与他做本钱。
Moved by the couple's respect and devotion, Lin gave them money from time to time to use in their business.
且把闲话休题，只说正话。
To skip the idle chatter,
忽一日，李小二正在门前安排菜蔬下饭，只见一个人闪将进来，酒店里坐下，随后又一人入来。
One day, while Xiao?er was cooking in the entry, a man slipped in and sat down inside at one of the tables.
Then another fellow furtively entered.
看时，前面那个人是军官打扮，后面这个走卒模样，跟着也来坐下。
The first man was an army officer, by the looks of him.
The second seemed more like an attendant.
He also hurried in and sat down.
李小二入来问道：“要吃酒？”
Xiao?er went up to them. “Wine?” he queried.
只见那个人将出一两银子与小二道：“且收放柜上，取三四瓶好酒来。
The officer handed Xiao?er an ounce of silver. “Take this on account.
Bring us three or four jugs of good wine.
客到时，果品酒馔只顾将来，不必要问。”
When our guests come, serve some food and tidbits.
You choose the dishes.
You needn't ask me.”
那人道：“烦你与我去营里请管营、差拨两个来说话。
“I must trouble you to go to the garrison prison and invite the warden and the head keeper here for a chat.
问时，你只说有个官人请说话，商议些事务，专等，专等。”
If they question you, just say: 'A gentleman requests that you come and discuss certain matters.
He is looking forward to your arrival.”
李小二应承了，来到牢城里，先请了差拨，同到管营家里，请了管营，都到酒店里。
Xiao?er assented and left.
At the garrison, he first relayed the request to the head keeper then, together, they extended the invitation to the warden, after which all three went to the tavern.
只见那个官人和管营、差拨两个讲了礼。
The gentleman, the warden and the head keeper exchanged greetings.
管营道：“素不相识，动问官人高姓大名。”
“We haven't met before,” said the warden. “May we ask your name, sir?”
那人道：“有书在此，少刻便知。
“I have a letter of introduction here, which I will give you shortly,” replied the man.
李小二连忙开了酒，一面铺下菜蔬果品酒馔。
Xiao?er quickly opened the jugs and served the food.
那人叫讨副劝盘来，把了盏，相让坐了。
The gentleman called for a ceremonial tray of wine goblets.
After filling and handing them out, he invited his guests to be seated.
那跟来的人讨了汤桶，自行荡酒。
The gentleman's attendant took care of the warming of the wine.
约计吃过十数杯，再讨了按酒，铺放桌上。
A dozen rounds were drunk, more tidbits to go with the wine were ordered.
只见那人说道：“我自有伴当荡酒，不叫你休来。
“My attendant will warm the wine,” the gentleman said to Xiao?er. “You needn't come unless we call you.
李小二应了，自来门首叫老婆道：“大姐，这两个人来的不尴尬。”
Xiao?er said: “Very well, sir,” and left the room.
Outside the door, he conferred with his wife. “There's something fishy about those two.”
小二道：“这两个人语言声音，是东京人，初时又不认得管营，向后我将按酒入去，只听得差拨口里讷出一句‘高太尉’三个字来。
“They've both got Eastern Capital accents and neither of them knows the warden.
When I went in with those tidbits just now, I heard the head keeper murmur something about 'Marshal Gao'.
这人莫不与林教头身上有些干碍？
Wasn't he the one who harmed Instructor Lin?”
我自在门前理会，你且去阁子背后，听说什么。”
I'll stay here at the door and keep an eye on them.
You go and listen on the other side of the partition wall.”