'It isn't hot yet,' said someone.

'And supposing a jackal tears him? Would that be well?' remarked
another Cossack.

'We'll set a watch; if they should come to ransom him it won't do
for him to have been torn.'

'Well, Lukashka, whatever you do you must stand a pail of vodka
for the lads,' said the corporal gaily.

'Of course! That's the custom,' chimed in the Cossacks. 'See what
luck God has sent you! Without ever having seen anything of the
kind before, you've killed a brave!'

'Buy the dagger and coat and don't be stingy, and I'll let you
have the trousers too,' said Lukashka. 'They're too tight for me;
he was a thin devil.'

One Cossack bought the coat for a ruble and another gave the price
of two pails of vodka for the dagger.

'Drink, lads! I'll stand you a pail!' said Luke. 'I'll bring it
myself from the village.'

'And cut up the trousers into kerchiefs for the girls!' said
Nazarka.

The Cossacks burst out laughing.