And off he went like a hound which has just found the scent; over some palings he vaulted, in order to get to his cart as quickly as possible. On he raced, but as he passed the gingerbread stall, Móricz Müncz stood before him again.
"Excuse me for running after you," he exclaimed breathlessly, "but it suddenly occurred to me that I might give you a word of advice, which is this. There are a good many people from Glogova here at the fair, so you really might get the crier to go round and find out if they know anything of the umbrella. If you would promise a reward for any information, in an hour's time you will have plenty, I am sure. In a small village like Glogova, every one knows everything."
"It is quite unnecessary," replied the lawyer, "for I am going to Glogova myself. Thanks all the same."
"Oh, sir, it is I who have to thank you; you have behaved in a princely fashion. Fifty florins for such a trifle! Why, I would have done it for one florin."
The lawyer smiled.
"And I would willingly have given a thousand, Mr. Müncz."
And with that he walked away, past the stall where they were selling nuts, and onions tied up in strings. Móricz stood gazing after him till he was out of sight.
"A thousand florins!" he repeated, shaking his head. "If I had only known!"
And off he went, driving his cow before him.