He was absent the greater part of the time; for a glazier, even if he were a better workman than my grandfather, could not make a living in Yuchovitch.

He became a country peddler, trading between Polotzk and Yuchovitch, and taking in all the desolate little hamlets scattered along that route.

Fifteen rubles' worth of goods was a big bill to carry out of Polotzk.

The stock consisted of cheap pottery, tobacco, matches, boot grease, and axle grease.

These he bartered for country produce, including grains in small quantity, bristles, rags, and bones.