Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/185

Rh "I, too, have thought that for such a trifle your Grace will not come to poverty, and they dare not enter the ward for larger game."

"I hear that much wood is stolen from my forests. How is that?"

"I have served your Ladyship for many years, and the damage thus done does not amount to much. A good deal is said, I know; for example, I could have several trees cut down during the year, sell them, and when I could not give a clear record, I could say they were stolen. But why burden my conscience with lying and cheating? In the fall when the women come to rake up leaves and moss, and the poor people come to collect sticks for fuel, I am always about and swear till the trees tremble; but should I half kill some old granny when she breaks off a few stouter limbs! Your Grace will not come to poverty for that, and the poor creature is helped and blesses you a thousand times. I do not call such things losses."

"You are right," replied the Princess. "Still there must be some very bad people about; day before yesterday, in the evening, as Piccolo was coming from town, he was attacked, and when he called for help, he was beaten so that he is ill. Thus I was told."

"That does not seem possible," said Mr. Proshek, shaking his head dubiously.

"In all my life I never heard that there were robbers about here!" exclaimed the gamekeeper and miller at the same time.

"What is it that's happened?" asked Grandmother, coming nearer.

The gamekeeper told her.