Giulika explained that, except during besa, Giorgio never left the house unless accompanied by his mother or sister, whose presence protected him from the attack of his enemy.
“And how long is this to last?” asked Maurice.
“Until Giorgio is killed, excellency,” said Giulika simply.
“But why not pay blood-gelt, and end the feud?”
“Giorgio is the innocent one,” replied the old man, indignantly. “He was falsely accused: why should we pay? Besides, we have no money: there are too many to be paid. Leka must have one purse, and the elders of the village another, or else an ox; and the Sultan’s officer another, but we never pay him unless we can help it. Still, we have not money enough for the others, so it is useless to speak of it.”
Inquiry elicited the fact that the total amount came to about £25 in English money.
“It is a pity that two such brave men should be enemies,” said Maurice.
“We are not enemies,” said Giorgio, quickly: “there is only blood between us. In besa we hunt together and are very good friends.”
“Well, I have some money that is lying idle,” said Maurice. “It cannot be better employed than in removing the blood between you. Will you let me have the pleasure and the honour of settling your feud?”
“It is good of you, excellency,” said Giulika. “I think myself that it is foolish that there should be blood between two such fine young men, and if Leka’s honour is cleaned they will be like brothers.”