said Martin . ` It has just killed a goose , ' replied the peasant . ` Do n't drown him , sell him to me instead , ' begged Martin . ` Not for a hundred florins , ' was the answer . ` Surely for a hundred florins you 'll sell it ? ' said Martin . ` See ! here is the money ; ' and , so saying , he handed him the hundred florins , which the peasant pocketed , and Martin took possession of the cat , which was called Waska . When he reached his home his mother greeted him with the question : ` Well , what have you brought back ? ' ' I have brought this cat , Waska , ' answered Martin . ` And what besides ? ' ' I had no money over to buy anything else with , ' replied Martin . ` You useless ne'er - do-weel ! ' exclaimed his mother in a great passion . ` Leave the house at once , and go and beg your bread among strangers ; ' and as Martin did not dare to contradict her , he called Schurka and Waska and started off with them to the nearest village in search of work . On the way he met a rich peasant , who asked him where he was going . ' I want to get work as a day labourer , ' he answered . ` Come along with me , then . But I must tell you I engage my labourers without wages . If you serve me faithfully for a year , I promise you it shall be for your advantage . '
So XXXXX consented , and for a year he worked diligently , and served his master faithfully , not sparing himself in any way .
Martin Schurka Waska advantage cat do-weel florins labourer labourers year