_Calandrino_ (who was close by them) hearing these wordes, and seeing the whole manner of their wondering behaviour: became constantly perswaded, that hee had not onely founde the precious stone; but also had some store of them about him, by reason he was so neere to them, and yet they could not see him, therefore he walked before them. Now was his joy beyond all compasse of expression, and being exceedingly proud of so happy an adventure: did not meane to speake one word to them, but (heavily laden as hee was) to steale home faire and softly before them, which indeede he did, leaving them to follow after, if they would. _Bruno_ perceiving his intent, said to _Buffalmaco_: What remaineth now for us to doe? Why should not we go home, as well as hee? And reason too, replyed _Bruno_, It is in vaine to tarry any longer heere: but I solemnly protest, _Calandrino_ shall no more make an Asse of me: and were I now as neere him, as not long since I was, I would give him such a remembrance on the heele with this Flint stone, as should sticke by him this moneth, to teach him a lesson for abusing his friends.
Hee threw the stone, and hit him shrewdly on the heele therewith; but all was one to _Calandrino_, whatsoever they saide, or did, as thus they still followed after him. And although the blow of the stone was painfull to him; yet he mended his pace so wel as he was able, in regard of beeing over-loaden with stones, and gave them not one word all the way, because he tooke himselfe to bee invisible, and utterly unseene of them. _Buffalmaco_ taking uppe another Flint-stone, which was indifferent heavie and sharp, said to _Bruno_. Seest thou this Flint? Casting it from him, he smote _Calandrino_ just in the backe therewith, saying. Oh that _Calandrino_ had bin so neere, as I might have hit him on the backe with the stone. And thus all the way on the plaine of _Mugnone_, they did nothing else but pelt him with stones, even so farre as the Port of S. _Gall_, where they threwe downe what other stones they had gathered, meaning not to molest him any more, because they had done enough already.
There they stept before him unto the Port, and acquainted the Warders with the whole matter, who laughing heartily at the jest, the better to upholde it; would seeme not to see _Calandrino_ in his passage by them, but suffered him to go on, sore wearied with his burthen, and sweating extreamly. Without resting himselfe in any place, he came home to his house, which was neere to the corner of the Milles, Fortune being so favourable to him in the course of this mockery, that as he passed along the Rivers side, and afterward through part of the City; he was neither met nor seen by any, in regard they were all in their houses at dinner.