Slimak reeled like a wild animal after the first shot. Then he slowly went towards the barn and sat down, not thinking of seeking help. This was the beginning of the divine punishment for the wrong he had done. 'We shall all die!' he murmured. Both buildings were burning like pillars of fire, and in spite of the frost Slimak felt hot in the shed. Suddenly shouts and clattering came from the settlement; the Germans were coming to his assistance. Soon the yard was swarming with them, men, women and children with hand-fire-engines and buckets. They formed into groups, and at Fritz Hamer's command began to pull down the burning masses and to put out the fire. Laughing and emulating each other in daring, they went into the fire as into a dance; some of the most venturesome climbed up the walls of the burning buildings. Zoska approached once more from the side of the ravines. 'Never mind the Germans helping you, you will die all the same,' she cried. 'Who is that?' shouted the settlers, 'catch her!' But Zoska was too quick for them. 'I suppose it was she who set fire to your house?' asked Fritz. 'No one else but she.' Fritz was silent for a moment. 'It would be better for you to sell us the land.' The peasant hung his head.... The barn could not be saved, but the walls of the cottage were still standing; some of the people were busy putting out the fire, others surrounded the sick woman. 'What are you going to do?' Fritz began again. 'We will live in the stable.' The women whispered that they had better be taken to the settlement, but the men shook their heads, saying the woman might be infectious. Fritz inclined to this opinion and ordered her to be well wrapped up and taken into the stable. 'We will send you what you need,' he said. 'God reward you,' said Slimak, embracing his knees. Fritz took Hermann aside. 'Drive full speed to Wolka,' he said, 'and fetch miller Knap; we may be able to settle this affair to-night.' 'It's high time we did,' replied the other, audibly, 'we shan't hold out till the spring unless we do.' Fritz swore. Nevertheless, he took leave benevolently. Bending over the sick woman he said: 'She is quite unconscious.' But in a strangely decided voice she ejaculated: 'Ah! unconscious!' He drew back in confusion. 'She is delirious,' he said.