Marczi did not look at them; he was in too much of a hurry. But the recruiting-sergeant stopped him.
"Halloa, comrade, won't you stop for a word? Anyone would think you had stolen something by the way you run."
"I am in a hurry. I have a job I want to finish. You have done your work, I see?"
"Don't be a fool, man, we can only live once. Have a drink!"
"The deuce take your drink. Don't you see that to-day I've carpentering business on hand. It won't do for me to get giddy when I'm on the ladder."
"Well, a gulp of wine wouldn't do you any harm. You don't go any further till you've had a swallow from my bottle, I tell you."
"Oh, very well," and Marczi took the proffered drink.
"Here's to our true friendship, comrade!" said the other as he followed suit.
Marczi was turning away, having thus gratified his interlocutor, when the latter called him back.
"Marczi, Marczi!" he called, "here's something for you. Here, hold out your hand!"