He agreed only too fully that all was humbug in the world in which he had lived and to which he was now returning.
'How is Lukashka?
You've been to see him ?' he asked.
'He just lies as if he were dead.

He does not eat nor drink.

Vodka is the only thing his soul accepts.

But as long as he drinks vodka it's well.

I'd be sorry to lose the lad.