Page:Three stories by Vítězslav Hálek (1886).pdf/377

 “But it will be had all the cheaper,” said Joseph, “when I bring half the village again you, you will pipe in another strain.”

“Do not bring them,” said Bartos, and, continued to smile tauntingly.

“When I report matters at the bureaux”

“Report it not, report nothing, unless you would report your own precious doings,” said Bartos. “But, of course, if you think it right, bring them, report it all, only, you just sleep upon it and I will sleep upon it too.”

“But I tell you it is notorious how you encourage his vagabondage, how you cause disunion in the family”

“Ay, ay, peasant, you have it well off by heart; but let me tell you, that if half your village comes with all its bureaux, they will retire hence just as your own servants retired a moment since. And so it is I who cause disunion in families. Behold yonder doors before the charnel house, and think whom they conceal. So it is I who cause disunion between him and thee. I, forsooth, was that notable son who lowered his father beneath the meanest of his servants, who shortly after commanded him to dwell in a stable, who baited him until he had baited him out of house and home, who deprived him of head and of reason, oh! I pray you just bring hither your village and the whole squad of officials. I will enlighten them in your presence as to what a