His words cannot harm you." "Well, no, I humbly thank you!" cried Yushkov.

And close at Foma's side stood Smolin and whispered in his ear: "Stop, my dear boy! What's the matter with you?
Are you out of your wits?
They'll do you--!" "Get away!" said Foma, firmly, flashing his angry eyes at him.

"You go to Mayakin and flatter him, perhaps something will come your way!" Smolin whistled through his teeth and stepped aside.

And the merchants began to disperse on the steamer, one by one.

This irritated Foma still more he wished he could chain them to the spot by his words, but he could not find such powerful words.
"You have built up life!" he shouted.