MICHAEL [_Getting up and standing in front of her_.] Look here. We've had enough of this music. We've been cutting throats all day, and now we want to unbuckle a bit. There'll be hell to pay when the other boys come back. A pretty wild-goose chase you've sent them on, too, with your tale about the old Jew's money-bags. What was the game? You seemed mighty anxious to wheedle us all out of the house; and you'd never get out of the village alive to-night. Listen to that! [_There is an uproar outside, a shot, and a woman's scream, followed by the terrified cry of a child_: "Ah! Ah! Father!"] ARRAM The men are mad with zaki and blood and--other things. There's no holding them in, even from the children. What chance would there be for a fine-looking wench like yourself? MICHAEL Don't tell me you were going out into that? [_He points in the direction of the uproar_.] Something to hide on the spot, eh? Well, now you've got the others out of the way, we're going to have a look. What's in there? [_He points to the little door on the left_.] RADA [_Rising to her feet slowly, steadying herself with one hand against the wall, and fixing her eyes on his face_.] This is war, isn't it? If I choose to revenge myself on those I hate-- listen to me. I suppose you--want money. And I can tell you where to find it. ARRAM Another wild-goose chase to the other end of the valley? RADA No. In the old mill-house. Not a hundred yards away. Money, money enough to make us all rich. But [_a cunning expression comes into her face_] if I tell you where to find it, you must come back and give me my share. MICHAEL [_Staring at her._] Another pack of lies! What are you up to, eh? ARRAM It's been too much for her nerves. Don't worry her, or she'll go out of her mind, and then there'll be nobody to get us our supper. NANKO That _would_ be selfish, Rada. You know it's Christmas Eve. Nobody ought to think of unpleasant things on Christmas Eve. I don't think it's right to spoil people's pleasure on Christmas Eve. What have you done with the Christmas tree, Rada? ARRAM And who's to blame? That's what I want to know. You don't blame _us_, do you? Why, as likely as not, we shall be fighting on _your_ side against somebody else before next Christmas. MICHAEL What have you got in there? [_He points to the door on the left again and advances toward it._] RADA [_Hurriedly and as if misunderstanding him, opens a cupboard between him and the door._] Food! Food! Food for hungry men! Food enough for a wolf-pack. Come on, help yourselves! MICHAEL Holy St. Peter, what a larder! Look at this, Arram. Here's a dinner for forty men. RADA [_Laughing wildly._] Better take your pick before the others come. It's our Christmas dinner. [_She thrusts dishes into _MICHAEL'S_ hands and begins loading the table with food._] NANKO If you happen to have any crystallized plums there, Rada, you might give me one.