They are evidently afraid of you." "How is the soil ?" "Very good.

It appears to be quite soft." "Well," said Simeonovitch, after a pause, "what did they say about me?
Cursed me, I suppose ?" As the elder hesitated somewhat, Michael commanded him to speak and tell him the whole truth.

"Tell me all," said he; "I want to know their exact words.

If you tell me the truth I shall reward you; but if you conceal anything from me you will be punished.

See here, Catherine, pour out a glass of vodki to give him courage!" After drinking to the health of his superior, the elder said to himself: "It is not my fault if they do not praise him.