Innkeeperess

[…]; felt uneasy, and still more so when the inkeeperess pulled my beard and was complimentary.

Between this individual and the crowd—among which John recognized the innkeeperess in a clean apron—were John’s three tormentors of the night before, looking hangdog between two large Dilbians carrying axes over their shoulders.

[…] when he hears of Guzman’s mishap, mortifyingly roars with laughter, revealing soon afterwards that the occasion is not the boy’s discomfiture, but a practical joke subsequently played on the innkeeperess which has effectively avenged him.