"Fear my lord Ivan!" said Gregory, with a loud laugh. "It follows, then, that if my lord Ivan were tired of receiving orders, and gave them in his turn, my lord Ivan would be obeyed."
"Perhaps," said Ivan.
"He said 'perhaps,' repeated Gregory," laughing louder than ever,—"he said 'perhaps.' Did you hear him?"
"Yes," said the slaves, who had drunk so much that they could only answer in monosyllables.
"Well, I no longer say 'perhaps,' I now say 'for certain.'"
"Oh, I should like to see that," said Gregory; "I would give something to see that."
"Well, send away these fellows, who are getting drunk like pigs, and for nothing, you will find."
"For nothing?" said Gregory. "You are jesting. Do you think I should give them drink for nothing?"
"Well, we shall see. How much would be their score, for your atrocious brandy, if they drank from now till midnight, when you are obliged to shut up your tavern?"
"Not less than twenty roubles."