"You must give me a hundred crowns if I put this business through, and I
want that down in writing," said Crappy Zachy.
"I should think that fifty would be enough, and even that is a pretty
bit of money."
"No, not a red farthing less than a round hundred, and in saying that I
am making you a present of a hundred. But I am willing to do that much
for you and your sister--in fact, I am always glad to do a kindness to a
fellow-townsman. Why, in Endringen or in Siebenhofen they would gladly
give me double the money. Your Rose is a very respectable girl--nobody
can deny that--but she's nothing extraordinary, and one might ask,
what's the price of a dozen such?"
"Be quiet! I won't have that!"
"Yes, yes, I'll be quiet, and not disturb you while you're writing. Now,
write at once."
Farmer Rodel was obliged to do as Crappy Zachy wished, and when he had
done writing, he said:
"What do you think? Shall I tell Rose about it?"
"Certainly, you must do so. But don't let her show that she knows about
it, nor tell any one in the place; it won't bear being talked about. All
people have their enemies, you and your sister like the rest, you may
believe me. Tell Rose to wear her everyday clothes and milk the cows
when he comes. I shall have him come to your house alone. You read what
Farmer Landfried writes; the boy has a will of his own, and would run
away directly, if he suspected that there was anything being prepared
for him.
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