They've appeared again. They've just
scattered them all over like salt over bread. Much good those
arrests and searches have done! My nephew Mazin has been hauled
away to prison, your son's been taken. Now it's plain it isn't he!"
And stroking his beard Sizov concluded, "It's not people, but
thoughts, and thoughts are not fleas; you can't catch them!"
He gathered his beard in his hand, looked at her, and said as he
walked away:
"Why don't you come to see me some time? I guess you are lonely
all by yourself."
She thanked him, and calling her wares, she sharply observed the
unusual animation in the factory. The workmen were all elated, they
formed little circles, then parted, and ran from one group to
another. Animated voices and happy, satisfied faces all around!
The soot-filled atmosphere was astir and palpitating with something
bold and daring. Now here, now there, approving ejaculations were
heard, mockery, and sometimes threats.
"Aha! It seems truth doesn't agree with them," she heard one say.
The younger men were in especially good spirits, while the elder
workmen had cautious smiles on their faces. The authorities walked
about with a troubled expression, and the police ran from place to
place.
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