The head stableman was a notorious horse-thief, known far and wide as a great rogue, who, for his many misdeeds, was finally exiled to Siberia.

Under his instruction Polikey underwent a course of training, and, being but a boy, was easily induced to perform many evil deeds.

He became so expert in the various kinds of wickedness practiced by his teacher that, though he many times would gladly have abandoned his evil ways, he could not, owing to the great hold these early-formed habits had upon him.

His father and mother died when he was but a child, and he had no one to point out to him the paths of virtue.
In addition to his other numerous shortcomings, Polikey was fond of strong drink.

He also had a habit of appropriating other people's property, when the opportunity offered of his doing so without being seen.