"To pay for the fence," said he to the mayor and the councilman, "the government sends money. Every one will receive profit even, for there will be fifty rubles to each man."
Repa's eyes just flashed, though he was drunk.
"If that is so, I will subscribe. But where is the money?"
"I have the money," said the secretary. "And here is the document."
So saying, he took out a paper folded in four, and read something which the peasants did not understand, though they were greatly delighted; but if Repa had been more sober, he would have seen how the mayor muttered to the councilman.
Then, O wonder! The secretary, taking out the money, said,—
"Well, who will write first?"
All subscribed in turn; when Repa took the pen, Zolzik took away the document, and said,—
"Perhaps thou are not willing? All this is of free will."
"Why shouldn't I be willing?"