“What? why?” asked the astonished Savelitch.
“I owe them to him,” I replied, with the greatest possible coolness.
“Owe!” ejaculated Savelitch, becoming more and more astonished. “When did you get into his debt? It looks a very suspicious piece of business. You may do as you like, my lord, but I shall not give the money.”
I thought that, if in this decisive moment I did not gain the upper hand of the obstinate old man, it would be difficult for me to liberate myself from his tutelage later on; so, looking haughtily at him, I said:
“I am your master, and you are my servant. The money is mine. I played and lost it because I chose to do so; and I advise you not to oppose my wishes, but to do what you are ordered.”
Savelitch was so astounded at my words, that he clasped his hands and stood as if petrified.
“What are you standing there like that for?” I exclaimed angrily.
Savelitch began to weep.
“Father, Peter Andreitch,” he stammered in a quivering voice, “do not break my heart with grief. You are the light of my life, so listen to me—to an old man: write to this robber, and tell him that you were only joking, that we have not got so much money. A hundred roubles! Merciful Heaven! Tell him that your parents have strictly forbidden you to play for anything except nuts——”
“That will do; let me have no more of your chatter! Give me the money, or I will put you out by the neck!”