16. On the Water

When they were in the middle of the river, “What news from the other Ataman?” Tchetchevik asked Knich.

“Everything will be better when you have been there,” answered the farmer. “Fortune helps fools, God helps only the wise. They are roasting chickens, preparing geese and feasting. Briefly, there are too many strangers, too much luxury, and too great expense. They cannot make out the mind of the master of the house, do you know? Perhaps he hasn’t any—”

“That would be unfortunate,” Tchetchevik answered. “It is the fate of those who belong to everybody, that they belong no more to themselves.”

“But your Ataman, the one whom you have seen?” asked Knich.

“This one,” Tchetchevik answered, “this one is a true man, and if all were like him nothing would be lost. The day when his soul appears before God, no one can say that it inhabited a trunk of rotten wood. He has his failings, certainly, he is not perfect, but he loves his country more than his life, even more than his pride. He has consented to everything, even to efface himself before that brute yonder, and that is grand! For a haughty, proud head is not made to stoop. It is done. He has written it. But his pen rasped on the paper like the bark of a birch-tree on hot coals.”

“Well,” Knich said, “that is easily understood. It must have been hard for him.”

“It was necessary,” said the impassive Tchetchevik.

“Then,” continued Knich, “we can say that, thanks to God and to you, one-half of the work is done; there remains the other Ataman, the Ataman left alone! This one excels in going around in a circle.”

“We will follow him around,” said Tchetchevik, “and we will enlarge his circle.” Suddenly turning from Knich, Tchetchevik threw a heavy cloak into the bottom of the skiff, and taking Maroussia, in spite of her resistance, laid her gently on the cloak.

“I forgot to put my child to bed,” said her good friend.

“I do not want to sleep,” answered the little girl.

“You need not sleep, but rest yourself,” said the Envoy in a firm tone of voice. “I will tell you a story very soon.”

Instead of sleeping, Maroussia, half raised on her elbow, was looking about. What eyes she had for seeing everything before the others!

“Down there, on this side,” pointing with her finger, “don’t you see anything?”

“The child is right,” said Knich, “there they are.”

“Silence!” said the Envoy.