'What has to be, has to be,' she replied. 'He wants the thirty-five roubles and the silver rouble for the halter--but,' she continued after a pause, 'truth is truth, she is worth it. I milked her, and though she had been on the road, she gave more milk than Lysa.' 'Have you asked him whether he won't come down a bit?' The peasant again felt the weariness in all his limbs. Good God! how many hours of sleep would have to be sacrificed, before he could make another thirty-five roubles! 'Not likely! It's something that he will sell her to us at all; he keeps on saying he promised her to Gryb.' Slimak scratched his head. 'Come, Josef, be friendly and drink vodka with him, then perhaps the Lord Jesus will give him reflection. But keep looking at me, and don't talk too much; you will see, it will turn out all right.' Maciek led the cow to the shed; she looked about and whisked her tail so heartily that Slimak could not take his eyes off her. 'It's God's will,' he murmured. 'I'll bargain for her.' He crossed himself at the door, but his heart was trembling in anticipation of all the difficulties. His guest was sitting by the fire and admonishing Magda in fatherly fashion to be faithful and obedient to her master and mistress. 'If they order you into the water--jump into the water; if they order you into the fire--go into the fire; and if the mistress gives you a good hiding, kiss her hand and thank her, for I tell you: sacred is the hand that strikes....' As he said this the red light of the fire fell upon him; he had raised his hand and looked like a preacher. Magda fancied that the trembling shadow on the wall was repeating: 'Sacred is the hand that strikes!' She wept copiously; she felt she was listening to a beautiful sermon, but at the same time blue stripes seemed to be swelling on her back at his words. Yet she listened without fear or regret, only with dim gratitude, mingled with recollections of her childhood. The door opened and Slimak said: 'The Lord be praised.' 'In all eternity,' answered Grochowski. When he stood up, his head nearly touched the ceiling. 'May God repay you, Soltys, for coming to us,' said Slimak, shaking his hand. 'May God repay you for your kindness in receiving me.' 'And say at once, should you be uncomfortable.' 'Eh! I'm not half so comfortable at home, and it's not only to me but also to the cow that you are giving hospitality.' 'Praise God that you are satisfied.' 'I am doubly satisfied, because I see how well you are treating Magda. Magda! fall at your master's feet at once, for your father could not treat you better. And you, neighbour, don't spare the strap.' 'She's not a bad girl,' said Slimak.