"Well ... he was a long time like that."
"And how do you come in?"
At this sharp question from his comrade, Hopeful slunk away from him, and timidly answered:
"Oh ... I only remembered it, that's all. For without his horse the muzhik is in a hole."
"I tell you what it is," began Jig-Leg severely, looking Hopeful straight in the face, "chuck it, d'ye hear? There's no sense in what you say, do you understand? Michael, your neighbour, indeed! What's it got to do with you?"
"Anyhow, it's a pity," objected Hopeful, shrugging his shoulders.
"A pity! Good heavens! and is there anyone who ever takes pity on us?"
"What do you mean?"
"Shut up! it will soon be time to go."
"Soon?"