"For shame!" returned Taras, sternly. "He was an evil-doer, but he had the courage of a man! Lay him on his bed!... He has at least shown us that a man can die, if need be."
There was a solemn pause, after which he addressed the judge. "One thing yet before our work is complete. The village has suffered at the hands of this man. You shall take what money there is found here, to be divided justly among the people.... Stas and Jemilian, search the place."
"May we not offer you a part for yourself?" returned the judge; "it were but right and fair."
"No," said Taras, curtly.
"But you will let us give some of it to your men?"
"No, they are no paid assassins, but serving justice."
"But you must live!"
"I have enough for the present to provide for our needs, and when my own means fail, others, no doubt, will be forthcoming."
Stas and Jemilian at this moment returned from the adjoining apartment. "This appears to be money," said the former, placing a cash box upon the table.
"Force the lid," said Taras to the judge, "I would rather not touch it."