dead dog."

"Leave that to me," said Michael with a dark frown. "You," he said to
Ivan, "you see this gun? We'll not bind you, but if you stir toward
the door, or make a move to free yourself, you are lost. I will shoot
you down."

"We only want the children," said Ivan boldly. "Give them to us, and
we will go away, and you will not be harmed."

The three set up a shout of laughter. "Thanks, thanks!" said Michael
when he could speak, but Martha said angrily, "What! Give up my fire
and light and food? Not much!"

"Suppose I pay you," said Ivan, "I will reward you well."

Again a shout went up.

"A million thanks," said the woman. "What will you give -- a dozen
dried fishes?"

"You don't know me," scowled Ivan proudly. "I am the son of your
Prince, Ivan the Brilliant. Beware how you treat me and these friends
of mine."

"The boy will kill me!" cried the woman, leaning back and wiping the
tears of mirth from her leathery cheeks. "Go on, go on, my prince.
And will you not ask us to the palace some day soon? We would like to
see you at your own home."