The beggar's eyes glistened greedily at the piece.
"Heaven bless you!" he exclaimed; "may you live for ever."
"Don't wish me that," responded the old man; "that is no blessing."
"Not with your riches?" said the mendicant
"No."
"You are not easily satisfied then."
And then came forth from the beggar a strange sound.
Was it a signal?
It almost appeared to be the result of a preconcerted arrangement, for while the sound of his laughter echoed down the leafy grove, there was a crashing of branches and general breaking of the dried twigs and undergrowth, and out swarmed a group of men numbering perhaps ten or a dozen.
A villanous-looking mob they were too.