He shuddered and said confusedly: "Gordyeeff." "Ignat Gordyeeff's ?" "Yes." Now the second captain was taken aback.

He straightened himself, expanded his chest and for some reason or other cleared his throat impressively.

Then his shoulders sank and he said to the boy in a fatherly tone: "It's a shame! The son of such a well-known and respected man! It is unbecoming your position.

You may go.

But should this happen again! Hm! I should be compelled to notify your father, to whom, by the way, I have the honour of presenting my respects." Foma watched the play of the old man's physiognomy and understood that he was afraid of his father.