Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 4).djvu/611

 "What do you want here?" he cried, half rising, and gripping nervously the handle of his knife.

"You have dismissed me," replied George, with a calm voice, "so I have come to get my things, and to tell you that Tertschka will go away with me."

The overseer made a movement as if about to spring upon them. Then, seeing George's determined attitude, he recoiled in alarm.

"I have nothing to reply to you," he said at last, through his clenched teeth.

"That is not necessary. Tertschka is of age, consequently she is free to do as she pleases."

The overseer burst into a hiss of fury.

"Take what belongs to you, Resi," George continued, taking down his own coat which hung on the wall, "and let us go."

The overseer gasped painfully for breath. A struggle was passing within him. He hardly knew what to do next. As he hesitated, he threw a sidelong glance at Tertschka, who, unfortunately, could not control her agitation. As she walked towards her box he sprang upon her, and, grasping her by the shoulders, pushed her into the cellar, the door of which was half open, locked the door, and put the key in his pocket.

"That is my answer," he bellowed, with such fury that his whole body trembled. Then, gulping down his rage, he returned to his seat, and renewed his occupation.

This scene had passed so rapidly, and in a manner so unexpected, that George could do nothing to prevent it. Without any undue haste, he buckled on his knapsack, and approached the overseer slowly.

"Let Tertschka out!" he said, in a firm voice.

The overseer went on peeling his potatoes.

"Let Tertschka out!" repeated George, again.

The overseer's hands began to shake. As George repeated his demand, for the third time, in a more imperative tone, he started up with clenched fists.

"Be off," he shouted, "unless "

"Unless what?" repeated George, calmly. "You cannot frighten me, with all your bluster. You ill-treated me when I was weak and defenceless. Now I defy you to your face!"

The overseer's countenance was terrible to look at. Hate and vengeance struggled on it with the basest cowardice. He gasped for breath, and his curved fingers seemed to clutch at something to rend to pieces.

"I advise you," said George, "to give up Tertschka, or else I shall use force."

In the midst of this scene several of the workmen had entered the cabin. Noon was approaching; perhaps they were also not unwilling to be witness of a scene which promised to be stormy. Their presence appeared to increase the irritation of the overseer. He felt that all their eyes were upon him, and to conceal his trepidation from those scrutinizing glances he assumed an air of insolence.

"Just listen to the cur! He threatens me. Come, kick him out of the place for me."

The men looked hesitatingly at one another, but no one stirred.

"You see," George continued, "no one will touch me. I ask you for the last time to let Tertschka out, or I will use this