Pagina 270 de 788

So a furious brawl arose in the company, some taking the side of

the Assessor and some that of the Notary. No one remembered about

Gerwazy, for all had run in from the sides, and had not noticed

what was going on in front. The Seneschal took the floor:-

"Now at all events there is some reason for a quarrel, for this,

gentlemen, is no worthless rabbit; this is a bear: here one need

have no compunctions about seeking satisfaction, whether it be

with the sabre or even with pistols. It is hard to reconcile your

dispute, so according to the ancient custom we give you our

permission for a duel. I remember that in my time there lived two

neighbours, both worthy gentlemen, and of long descent; they

dwelt on opposite sides of the river Wilejka; one was named

Domejko and the other Dowejko.86 They both shot at the same time

at a she-bear; which killed it it was hard to ascertain, and they

had a terrible quarrel, and swore to shoot at each other over the

hide of the bear: that was in true gentleman's style, almost

barrel to barrel. This duel made a great stir, and in those days

they sang songs about it. I was their second; how everything came

to pass-I will tell you the whole story from the beginning."