I realized that something important had taken place, placed them all under arrest, ordered the men tied and placed a close guard.

All my questions were met with silence save by Madame Kanine who cried: 'Pity, pity for the children! They are innocent!' as she dropped on her knees and stretched out her hands in supplication to us.

The short-haired girl laughed out of impudent eyes and blew a puff of smoke into my face.

I was forced to threaten them and said: "'I know that you have committed some crime, but you do not want to confess.

If you do not, I shall shoot the men and take the women to Uliassutai to try them there.' "I spoke with definiteness of voice and intention, for they roused my deepest anger.