At last these rumours reached the ears of the police-sergeant, who harnessed his fat mare, put a small cask and some empty bags into his cart, and drove off in pursuit of the thieves. The Germans treated him to smoked ham and excellent brandy, and Fritz Hamer explained that they suspected two discharged manor-servants, Kuba Sukiennik and Jasiek Eogacz, of stealing the horses. 'They have been arrested before for stealing locks off the doors, but had to be released because there were no witnesses,' said the sergeant. 'Which of the gentlemen shot at them? Has he a licence to carry firearms?' Hamer, seeing that the question was becoming ticklish, led him aside and explained things so satisfactorily to him that he soon drove off, recommending that watch should be kept, and that the colonists should not carry firearms. 'I suppose your farm will soon be standing, sir?' he asked. 'In a month's time,' replied Hamer. 'Capital!...we must make a day of it!' He drove on to the manor-house, where Hirschgold's agent was so delighted to see him that he brought out a bottle of Crimean wine. On the topic of thieves, however, he had no explanation to offer. 'When I heard them shooting I at once snatched up my revolvers, one in each hand, and I didn't close my eyes all night.' 'And have you a licence to carry firearms?' 'Why shouldn't I?' 'For two?' 'Oh well, the second is broken; I only keep it for show.' 'How many workmen do you employ?' 'About a hundred.' 'Are all their passports in order?' The agent gave him a most satisfactory account as to this in his own way and the sergeant took leave. 'Be careful, sir,' he recommended, 'once robbery begins in the village it will be difficult to stop it. And in case of accident you will do well to let me know first before you do anything.' He said this so impressively that the agent henceforward took the two Jews from the manor-house to sleep in the bailiff's cottage. Slimak's gospodarstwo was the sergeant's next destination. Slimakowa was just pouring out the peeled-barley soup when the stout administrator of the law entered. 'The Lord be praised,' he said. 'What news?' 'In Eternity. We are all right.' The sergeant looked round. 'Is your husband at home?' 'Where else should he be? Fetch your father, Jendrek.' 'Beautiful barley; is it your own?' 'Of course it is.' 'You might give me a sackful. I'll pay you next time I come.' 'I'll get the bag at once, sir.' 'Perhaps you can sell me a chicken as well?' 'We can.' 'Mind it's tender, and put it under the box.' Slimak came in. 'Have you heard, gospodarz, who it was that tried to steal the horses?' 'How should I know?' 'They say in the village that it was Sukiennik and Rogacz.' 'I don't know about that. I have heard they cannot find work here, because they have been in prison.' 'Have you got any vodka? The dust makes one's throat dry.' Vodka and bread and cheese were brought.