“We should not lie in jail for ever; and when we got out, ’twould be all the worse for them!... They are no fools, and will first take good thought whether they have aught to gain by fighting us.—And when we have driven his buyers away, the Squire will take another tone.—Or if not....” Gregory could keep silence no longer. Starting up, he did all he possibly could to dissuade them from such a reckless plan of campaign. He pointed out what actions at law must come of it, what fresh calamities to all of them, and the possibility of their being clapped in prison as rebels, and for several years! He showed, too, how everything might be arranged peaceably with the Squire alone. He went on talking to them till he was crimson, kissed them all, begged and implored them to give up that idea. All would not do, his words were in vain, and at last Matthew said: “Ye are preaching! Ye talk like a book; but ’tis not what we want!” At this they all set to banging their fists on the table, speaking at the same time, and shouting enthusiastically: “Hurrah! Hurrah!—Down with the Germans! Away with the Long-Trousers! Matthew is right, we’ll do as he says, and whoso fears, let him hide his face!” They were so excited, there was no reasoning with them. At this juncture the Jew came in, bringing a bottle: he listened, as he wiped the vodka spilt upon the table; then he said diffidently: “’Tis good advice that Matthew is giving you.” “What! is Yankel against the Germans now? Can this thing be?” they cried in amazement. “Because I prefer to hold with those of my own land. We live here—wretchedly, but by God’s help we live.... But when the Germans have come, then not only a poor Jew, but even a dog, will have no food to eat.... Oh, may they all drop down dead! May the pestilence sweep them away!” “What, a Jew to side with our folk! Who ever heard of such a thing!” They were astounded, stupefied. “Yea, I am a Jew, but not a wild man of the woods: born here as you were, as my father and grandfather were too!... Am I not, then, one of you?... What is better for you will be better for me: the bigger farmers you will be, the more business I shall do with you.—And this wise plan of yours against the Germans I am ready to back thus, offering a whole bottle of rum!... To your healths, O farmers of Podlesie!” he exclaimed, drinking to Gregory. They then drank very copiously, and became so joyful that they scarcely refrained from kissing the Jew’s long beard: they set him in their midst, and went over the whole matter again, consulting him on every point. Even Gregory began after a time to feel less gloomy. But now the meeting came to an end, for Matthew sprang to his feet. “To the big room, boys! let’s stretch our legs!” he cried. “We’ve done enough for to-day.” And they went in together.