“Better than those who rob on the highroad.”
“By what right have you found out our dwelling?”
“A robber asks about right! The hangman will show you right! Come to the cabin.”
“We will smoke you out just as if you were badgers.”
“But come on; only see that the smoke does not stifle you too.”
The voice in the thicket was silent; the invaders, it seemed, had begun to take counsel. Meanwhile Soroka whispered to Kmita,—
“We must decoy some one hither, and bind him; we shall then have a guide and a hostage.”
“Pshaw!” answered Kmita, “if any one comes it will be on parole.”
“With robbers parole may be broken.”
“It is better not to give it!” said Kmita.