Page:Tales and Legends from the Land of the Tzar.djvu/40

24 those that I have are as blunt as they can possibly be! You ought to have seen me when I was young. I had the most wonderful teeth then, and so beautifully white that everybody used to talk about them."

The demon coughed.

"Suppose we have a game at cards," said he, taking up a pack.

"What shall we play for?"

"Money, of course."

"Money, indeed! what money can a soldier have? You stupid. Why he never has more than three kopeks at the most to bless himself with. No, my friend, let us rather play for blows; that is what we soldiers do."

"Right you are!" And they began their game.

"Now for the blows, soldier," said the demon.

"No," answered the soldier, "wait till the knave of clubs turns up, then you can strike, otherwise it is not worth while exciting yourself."

"Agreed!" cried the demon; and they went on playing.

It was the soldier's turn to strike.

"Now then," said he, "present your forehead, and let me show you what we soldiers can do in the way of blows! You will not forget them in a hurry, I can tell you!"

The demon fell on his knees, and begged the soldier to have mercy on him, and not to strike too hard.

"Get along with your impudence!" cried the soldier.