Page:Three stories by Vítězslav Hálek (1886).pdf/319

 standing above an abyss, but still he says “I leap!” and he leaps.

“Why should we discuss the matter further,” said old Loyka, “it is all made out and signed in the lawyer’s books, and that is the agreement. What is there written is valid.”

“Undoubtedly,” said Joseph, and again his lip curled.

“I had further reserved the right to us old folk,” continued Loyka, “of dwelling in the farm house during the remainder of the six years and during that time Frank was to mess with you young people.”

“That is hard lines for the estate,” said Joseph again, just as if he wished to show that he was but trifling with his father, and that he had long ago preconcerted everything in his own mind. “No, no, that will not do at all. To manage the estate from the pension house in which we can scarce turn round will not do at all, and I am sure that as hospodar you will recognize as much yourself. As to Frank it will be time enough to settle who is to feed and lodge him when we have him at home again. For I certainly am not going to carry his victuals after him when I have no notion where he is.”

And thus old Loyka was practically chuzzled out of both his conditions, and felt little inclination to impose others. “And so you think we must be