'Oh no, they are great gentlemen, and live in a tent and keep a cook.'
'Gipsies, I dare say!'
Slimakowa had run off at top speed, and now the men appeared, perspiring, sunburnt, and dusty; nevertheless, they impressed Slimak and Maciek so much with their grand manner that they took off their caps.
'Which of you is the gospodarz?'
'I am.'
'How long have you lived here?'
'From my childhood.'
'And have you ever seen the river in flood?'
'I should think I had!'
'Do you remember how high the water rises?'