16. On the Water

The boat flew under the redoubled efforts of the two rowers, and very soon, in spite of the distance, Maroussia could recognize old acquaintances in the two men she had pointed out this side of the little promontory. They were those whom she had seen struck and bound by the soldiers in her father’s house: Semène Vorochilo and Andry Krouk. God be praised! They had then been able to escape.

The boat soon landed. The Cossacks took off their caps to the new-comers and said:

“Good luck and good health!”

“Good luck and good health!” answered Tchetchevik and Knich.

“Maroussia,” said Andry Krouk, taking a parcel from his bosom, “here is what your mother sends you.”

“Blessed be whatever comes from my mother!” said the little girl, kissing the parcel. “Are they all well?”

“All of them, little and big.”

“And,” said Maroussia, as though a little ashamed of the question she was going to ask, “and the cherry-trees? And the garden?”

“What a housekeeper!” said Andry. “Your garden is all right, and your cherries, God willing, will ripen in the warm weather.” “ I was thinking of the cherries for my little brothers,” said the child.

“What news do you bring me in exchange for what I sent you?” asked Tchetchevik.

“Many are satisfied,” answered Vorochilo. “These will be ready, and are now, but others—”

“Others,” said Andry Krouk, interrupting him, “are uneasy. They think that you go too fast, and I think they are right.”

Maroussia had thoughtfully stepped a little aside to allow them to talk more freely.

Tchetchevik called her back, and, to the great astonishment of the three Cossacks, said to her:

“I promised you a story in the boat. A promise given must be fulfilled. If you understand my story, these men will understand it too. Andry Krouk, you may tell it to those who think that I go too fast.”