pandy? A plague upon my eyes, if I did not see him. There were two of
them, they took no one with them, not even a dog: they rowed along here
beside the gardens. I looked long after them, and waited till they
should return. May every saint be merciless to me, if I don't speak the
truth!"

"Then I shall murder both."

"But be careful: they go armed."

"What?--If I wish I can have a whole host. If I wish I can ravish the
whole village in broad daylight. You do not yet know who Kandur is."

"I know well who you are, Kandur," said Sarvoelgyi, carefully studying
the robber's browned face. "Why we are old acquaintances. It is not you
who are responsible for the deeds you have done, but society. Humankind
rose up against you, you merely defended yourself as best you could.
That is why I always took your part, Kandur."

"No nonsense for me now," interrupted the robber hastily. "I don't mind
what I am. I am a highwayman. I like the name."

"You had no ignoble pretext for robbing,--but the saving of your
daughter from the whirlpool of crime. The aim was a laudable one,
Kandur: besides you were particular as to whom you fleeced."

"Don't try to save me--you'll have enough to do to save yourself soon in
hell, before the devil's tribunal--you may lie his two eyes out, if you
want. I have been a highwayman, have killed and robbed--even clergymen.
I want to kill now, too."

"I shall pray for your soul."

"The devil! Man, do you think I care? Prayer is just about as potent
with you as with me. Better give a pile of money to enable me to collect
a band. My men must have money."

"All right, Kandur: don't be angry, Kandur:--you know I'm awfully fond
of you. I have not persecuted you like others. I have always spoken
gently to you and have always sheltered you from your persecutors. No
one ever dared to look for you in my house."

"No more babbling--just give over the money."

"Very well, Kandur. Hold your cap."

Sarvoelgyi stepped up to a very strong iron safe, and unfastening the
locks one by one, raised its heavy door--placing the candle on a chair
beside him.

The robber's eyes gleamed. Sufficient silver to fill many pots was piled
up there.

"Which will you have? silver or bank-notes?"

"Silver," whispered the robber.

"Then hold your cap."

Kandur held his lamb-skin cap in his two hands like a pouch, and placed
his knife between his teeth.

Sarvoelgyi dived deeply into the silver pile with his hand, and when