Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/87

Rh "Do good to the devil, and he'll reward you with evil," said Grandmother.

"You are right," observed the gamekeeper. "That is what I say. We could not desire a better mistress, if it were not for those bailiffs about her, who by lying set her against us. That crew is of no earthly use, unless it be to rob the Lord of his time. When, dear Grandma, I observe these things, I think: 'O that a thousand streaks of lightning would go through you!' Isn't it enough to rouse one's wrath when such a clown, who doesn't know anything and is good for nothing but to stand behind a wagon like a wooden man and gape, gets as much as I, counts more than I, who, rain or shine, in mud and snow must wander about the woods, night and day, watching poachers and quarreling with them, and must care for all and be responsible for all. I do not complain, I am satisfied; but when such a blusterer comes here and turns up his nose, then, upon my soul, I would,—but what's the use of vexing one's self?" and the gamekeeper took a glass and drank down his indignation.

"Does that lady know all that is going on? Why doesn't some one have the courage to tell her, when he is wronged?" asked Grandmother.

"Zounds! who wants to put his finger into the fire? I often speak with her, and could tell her this and that; but I always think: 'Frank, hold your tongue, lest your own words turn against you.' Besides, she need not believe me; she will ask those above me, and then you have it! These will stand by each other, and I shall be left in the lurch. I spoke with her a few days ago, when she was