Bodza's eyes sparkled.
"We are neither robbers, nor fools, but brave men in very deed, who are battling for one great brotherhood, from the icy sea to the warm sea."[11]
[11] I.e., From the White Sea to the Black Sea; he meant the Slavs.
Maria at once stuck her pistol into her breast-pocket and confidentially extended her hand to the master.
"Then I greet thee, my brother, I have just come from Russia."
Thomas Bodza squinted suspiciously at Maria, and holding the iron ring on his little finger right in front of her eyes, inquired:
"Dost thou then know the meaning of these three letters: U. S. S.?"
Maria answered with a smile:
"Ud slovenske stridnosce."[12]
[12] "Member of the Slavonic League;" the language is Slovak.