You cannot drive me away from here." He shook his head, and, raising his shoulders, announced calmly: "But if any one of you dare to touch me, even with a finger, I'll kill him! I swear it by the Lord.

I'll kill as many as I can!" The crowd of people that stood opposite him swayed back, even as bushes rocked by the wind.

They began to talk in agitated whispers.

Foma's face grew darker, his eyes became round.
"Well, it has been said here that you have built up life, and that you have done the most genuine and proper things." Foma heaved a deep sigh, and with inexpressible aversion scrutinized his listeners' faces, which suddenly became strangely puffed up, as though they were swollen.

The merchants were silent, pressing closer and closer to one another.