So much the better. And yet you crack your heads in front of it and fool the people about it. There is no use wasting words, my friend.

It's agreed then.

KONDRATY

You have to go now. The gate will soon be closed. And all of a sudden--

SAVVA

What "all of a sudden"?

KONDRATY

And all of a sudden I'll be going to the ikon, and it will strike me down with lightning and thunder. Won't it?

SAVVA _(laughing)_

Don't be afraid. It won't strike you. That's what everybody thinks.

They are all afraid they'll be struck by lightning and thunder. But it won't happen. Believe me, a man may blow up the ikon and no lightning will strike him. Do you need money?

KONDRATY

Have you got any?

SAVVA

I have.

KONDRATY _(suspiciously)_

Where did you get it?

SAVVA

What business is that of yours? Suppose I killed a rich man, or cut somebody's throat--are you going to report me to the police?

KONDRATY _(rea.s.sured)_

What are you thinking of, Savva Yegorovich? That's your concern. As to your offer, of course, money always comes in handy. It will enable me to leave the monastery. I'll tell you in confidence, I have long been nursing a scheme--it's my dream--to settle somewhere along the road and start an inn. I like company. I am a talkative chap myself. I know I'll succeed. It doesn't hurt a host to have a drink now and then. The guests like it. With a jolly host you'll spend every penny you have, and your pants besides, and you won't notice it. I know by personal experience.

SAVVA

Why not? You can start an inn if you want to.

KONDRATY

And besides, I am still in the full vigor of manhood. Instead of sinning here, I'd rather get legally married.

SAVVA

Don't forget to invite me to the wedding. I'll act as your G.o.dfather.

KONDRATY

You are too young. As to the money--when shall it be, before or after?

SAVVA

Judas got his before.

KONDRATY _(offended)_

There now, when you should be doing your best to persuade me, you call me Judas. It isn't pleasant. The idea of calling a living man Judas!

SAVVA

Judas was a fool. He hanged himself. You are going to start an inn.

KONDRATY

Again? If that's what you think of me--

SAVVA _(slapping his shoulders)_

Well, well, uncle, don't you see I'm joking? Judas betrayed a man, and you are not going to betray anything but lumber. Is that right, old man? _Speransky and Tony appear, the latter walking very unsteadily._

KONDRATY

There--brought by the devil! With us carrying on this kind of conversation, and they--

SAVVA

It's agreed then?

KONDRATY

Oh, you're too much for me.

SPERANSKY _(bowing)_

Good evening once more, Mr. Savva Tropinin. Mr. Anthony and myself have just been at the other end, in the cemetery. A woman was buried there to-day, so we wanted to have a look.

SAVVA

To see if she hadn't crawled out of her grave? What are you dragging him along with you for? Tony, go to bed, you can't stand on your feet.

TONY

I won't go.