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 _(reassured)_

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 godfather.

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.

SPERANSKY

Tony is very excited to-day. He sees all kinds o