In reply to his hallooing, a hoarse voice resounded from the taproom: "Who is it? Can't you come inside instead of standing and bawling there?"
"What, you scoundrel! Come out this instant, Sirrah, do you hear, or do you want me to come and fetch you?"
At this categorical command, the speaker inside made his appearance. Henrietta recognized him at once, though Squire Gerzson saw him now for the first time. It was old Ripa.
"I am a guest here myself," said he.
"Thou blockhead! by the soul of thy father I charge thee—where is the hostess?"
"She is outside in the cool air."
"What is she doing there?"
"She is guarding the moles"—which means in the flowery language of the puszta: "she is dead."
"Surely she is not dead?"
"Yes—she did away with herself."