Two of them seized him by the arms; and in spite of his planting his feet firmly they finally dragged him to the square, accompanying his progress with shouts, blows from behind with their fists, kicks, and exhortations.

"Don't hold back, you son of Satan! Accept the honour, you dog, when it is given!" In this manner Kirdyanga was conducted into the ring of Cossacks.
"How now, gentles ?" announced those who had brought him, "are you agreed that this Cossack shall be your Koschevoi ?" "We are all agreed!" shouted the throng, and the whole plain trembled for a long time afterwards from the shout.
One of the chiefs took the staff and brought it to the newly elected Koschevoi.

Kirdyanga, in accordance with custom, immediately refused it.

The chief offered it a second time; Kirdyanga again refused it, and then, at the third offer, accepted the staff.

A cry of approbation rang out from the crowd, and again the whole plain resounded afar with the Cossacks' shout.