Jemmy Hart bent down to the man, and spoke to him. For a time he was silent, and seemed to have lost the gift of speech. But presently he spoke some words in a whisper.
Jemmy translated them.
“He says death has been long in coming. They have been waiting like this, day after day, and still live.”
The peasant who had been their guide spoke to Jemmy, who told the others.
“This man was rich once. He owned many fields and a herd of cattle. The drought burnt his harvest up, and all his cattle died. He sold his clothes for food. He has nothing in the world. There are many like him.”
“For Christ’s sake,” said Bertram, “give him this!”
He handed Jemmy all his money—a great wad of roubles.
The old man stared at it, and muttered something.
“What does he say?”
“He says money is no good. There’s nothing to buy.”