The man replied that his horses were tired out, he had driven
them to the pasture, and could not bring them home now, etc. Panna
went to the second house beyond and repeated her request. This peasant
was more curious than his neighbour and asked what she wanted in the
city in such a hurry.
"My father has suddenly been taken very ill, and I must get a doctor."
"Why don't you go to the village surgeon if the case is so urgent?"
"I have been there," was the quick, glib answer which fell from Panna's
tongue, "he isn't at home, and won't come before morning. He has been
called to a farm two miles off."
"H'm! And you are leaving the sick man all alone?"
"He isn't alone, a neighbour is with him."
"Wouldn't it be better for you to ask the neighbour to go to the city,
and stay with your father yourself?"
"To cut the matter short, neighbour," Panna, who had grown terribly
impatient, now burst forth, "will you take me or not? I'll answer your
foolish questions on the way."
The peasant cautiously named the price of the ride, which Panna,
without a word of objection, instantly placed in his hand, after which
he at last went to draw out the waggon and harness the horses.
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