creaking,
squeaking, clanging of iron and turbulent splashing of waves.
Perspiration came out on his face from the intensity of his desire, and
suddenly pale from agitation, he tore himself away from the mast, and
rushed toward the windlasses with big strides.

"All at once! At once!" he cried in a fierce voice. When he reached
the lever of the windlass, he dashed his chest against it with all his
might, and not feeling the pain, he began to go around the windlass,
roaring, and firmly stamping his feet against the deck. Something
powerful and burning rushed into his breast, replacing the efforts
which he spent while turning the windlass-lever! Inexpressible joy raged
within him and forced itself outside in an agitated cry. It seemed to
him that he alone, that only his strength was turning the lever, thus
raising the weight, and that his strength was growing and growing.
Stooping, and lowering his head, like a bull he massed the power of the
weight, which threw him back, but yielded to him, nevertheless. Each
step forward excited him the more, each expended effort was immediately
replaced in him by a flood of burning and vehement pride. His head
reeled, his eyes were blood-shot, he saw nothing, he only felt that
they were yielding to him, that he would soon conquer, that he would
overthrow with his strength something huge which obstructed his
way--would overthrow, conquer and then breathe easily and freely, full
of proud delight. For the first time in his life he experienced such
a powerful, spiritualizing sensation, and he drank it with all the
strength of a hungry, thirsty soul; he was intoxicated by it and he gave
vent to his joy in loud, exulting cries in unison with the workers:

"It goes--it goes--it goes."

"Hold on! Fasten! Hold on, boys!"

Something dashed against Foma's chest, and he was hurled backward.

"I congratulate you on a successful result, Foma Ignatyich!" the
contractor congratulated him and the wrinkles quivered on his face in
cheerful beams.

"Thank God! You must be quite tired now?"

Cold wind blew in Foma's face. A contented, boastful bustle was in the
air about him; swearing at one another in a friendly way, merry, with
smiles on their perspiring brows, the peasants approached him and
surrounded him closely. He smiled in embarrassment: the excitement
within him had not yet calmed down and this hindered him from
understanding what had happened and why all those who surrounded him
were so