"Do you think Liska was going for the old man?" began Margit again
after a few minutes.

The "old man" was the name given by the people of the village, more
as a term of endearment than anything else, to the generally loved
and respected physician who was the head of the insane asylum. He
had become general mentor and oracle of all the village and was
known and loved by man, woman and child.

"It's possible," answered Janci.

"His Reverence didn't look very well yesterday, or maybe the old
housekeeper has the gout again."

Janci gave a grunt which might have meant anything. The shepherd
was a silent man. Being alone so much had taught him to find his
own thoughts sufficient company. Ten minutes passed in silence
since Margit's last question, then some one went past the window.
There were two people this time, Liska and the old doctor. They
were walking very fast, running almost. Margit sprang up and
hurried to the door to look after them.

Janci sat still in his place, but he had laid aside his spoon and
with wide eyes was staring ahead of him, murmuring, "It's the pastor
this time; I saw him--just as I did the others."

"Shepherd, the inn-keeper wants to see you, there's something the
matter with his cow." Count ---- a young man, coming from the other
direction and pushing in at the door past Margit, who stood there