'But if God has given the land to the squire, how can they begin to distribute it to the people now?' 'They distribute it so that every one should get what is right for him, not that he should take what he likes.' His son's amazing views added a new worry to Slimak's mind. 'The rascal! listening to people of that sort! he'll never make a peasant; it's a mercy he hasn't stolen yet.' They were nearing the drive to the manor-house, and Slimak was walking more and more slowly; Stasiek looked more and more frightened, Jendrek alone kept his saucy air. Through the dark branches of old lime-trees the roof and chimneys of the manor became visible. Suddenly two shots rang out. 'They are shooting!' cried Jendrek excitedly, and ran forward. Stasiek caught hold of his father's pocket. Slimak called Jendrek, who returned sulkily. They were now on the terrace, where the manor-fields stretched on either side. Lower down lay the village, still lower the field by the river, in front of them was the manor, with the outbuildings, enclosed by a railing. 'There! that's the manor-house,' said Slimak to Stasiek. 'Isn't it beautiful?' 'Which one is it?' 'Why! the one with pillars in front.' Another shot rang out, and they saw a man in fanciful sportsman's dress. 'The horseman of yesterday,' cried Jendrek. 'Ah, that freak!' said Slimak, scrutinizing him with his head on one side; 'he'll bring me bad luck about the field.' 'He has a splendid gun,' cried Jendrek; 'but what is he shooting? There's nothing but sparrows here.' 'Perhaps he is shooting at us?' suggested Stasiek timidly. 'Why should he be shooting at us?' his father reassured him; 'shooting at people isn't allowed. It's true there is no knowing what a lunatic might do.' The sportsman approached, loading his gun; the tattered remains of some sparrows hung from his bag. 'The Lord be praised,' said Slimak, taking off his cap. 'How do you do, citizen?' replied the sportsman, touching his jockey cap. 'What a lovely gun!' sighed Jendrek. 'Do you like it? Eh, wasn't it you who picked up my cap the other day? I am in your debt; here you are.' He handed Jendrek a twenty-kopek piece. 'Is that your father? Citizen, if you want to be friends with me, do not bow so low, and cover your head. It is time that these survivals of servitude should be forgotten; they can only do us both harm. Cover yourself, I beg you.' Slimak tried to do as he was told, but his hand refused obedience. 'I feel awkward, sir, standing before you with my cap on,' he said. 'Oh, hang hereditary social differences!' exclaimed the young man, snatching the cap from Slimak's hands and putting it on his head. 'Hang it all!' thought the peasant, unable to follow the democrat's intentions. 'What are you going to the manor for?' asked the latter. 'Have you come on business with my brother-in-law?'