Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/212

188 Saying this he bowed down to the abbot's knees, and after him Zbyshko did the same. The abbot, who expected disputes and bargaining, was greatly astonished by such action, and even was not at all glad, for in bargaining he wanted to bring forward various conditions, meanwhile the opportunity had vanished. So in delivering the "paper," on which Matsko had drawn the sign of the cross, he said,—

"What is this about paying in addition?"

"We do not wish to take for nothing," answered Matsko, cunningly, knowing that the more he opposed in this case the more he should win.

In fact the abbot grew red in the twinkle of an eye.

"Look at them!" said he. "They will not take anything for nothing from a relative! Bread troubles people! I did not receive wildernesses, and I do not return them. If it please me to throw this bag away I will throw it!"

"You will not do that! " cried out Matsko.

"I will not do it? Here is your mortgage! And here is your money! I gave the money because of good-will; and if I wish I will leave it on the road, that is no concern of yours. This is what I will do!"

So saying, he caught the bag by the mouth, and hurled it to the floor, so that coin rolled out through the torn linen.

"God reward you! God reward you, father and benefactor!" cried Matsko, who was only waiting for that moment. "From another I would not take it, but I will from a priest and a relative."

The abbot looked threateningly for some time, first at Matsko, then at Zbyshko, at last he said,—

"I know what I am doing, though I am angry, so keep what you have; for I tell you this, you will not see another grosh from me."

"We did not expect the present gift."

"But know ye that Yagenka will have what remains after me."

"And the land too?" inquired Matsko, innocently.

"The land too!" roared the abbot.

At this Matsko's face lengthened, but he mastered himself, and said,—

"Ei! to think of death! May the Lord Jesus give you a hundred years, or more, but before that a good bishopric."

"And even if He should! Am I worse than others?" asked the abbot.

"Not worse, but better."