Page:Three stories by Vítězslav Hálek (1886).pdf/292

 “How, pray, should they go beyond the meadows. The corn beyond the meadows can stand two days longer, but where I am sending them it cannot stand a day longer,” objected his father.

“And when they have to go beyond the meadows,” said Joseph, as if he had not the least heard what his father had said.

Here the harvesters stood uncertain in which direction they had to quit the courtyard.

“Well, then, go beyond the meadow,” said Joseph’s father with forced humility, not wishing that they should observe how impotent his commands had already become in presence of his son.

And so the harvesters went away to work in accordance with the young hospodar’s orders. After this old Loyka said to the servants “You will stay at home and make straw bands.”

“There is time enough for making straw bands,” said Joseph. “Just go after the harvesters and help them in the field.”

Here again the servants did not know whether they had to stop in the courtyard or go off to the field. They looked from Joseph to old Loyka. And Joseph, perceiving their indecision, said “Why do you hesitate? He that does not go to the field, let him look out for his place.”

After this the servants departed.

“And who will make straw bands,” asked old Loyka.