"Clubs! rods!"
And the guests stood in the hall, as in ruins, gazing with mortified look, and shaking their heads at the spectacle.
"I have never seen such a sad sight," said one Sulgostovski.
"A wonderful death, and wonderful happenings! Look at this it is just as if Tartars had raided the mansion."
"Or evil spirits," added Zabierzovski. "A terrible night!"
They commanded the servants hidden under the table to crawl forth and bring some order to the dining-hall. They came out, perfectly sobered from terror, and went to work nimbly.
Meanwhile Martsian had returned. He was calmer, but his lips were still trembling from anger.
"They will come to their minds!" said he, addressing those present. "But I thank you, gentlemen, for helping me to punish those ruffians. It will not be easier here for them than it was in the days of the dead man! My head upon that point."
The Sulgostovskis looked at him quickly, and one said,--
"You have not to thank us more than we you."