"
"Man is created in the image of God," said Yefim, smiling. "And
that's the use to which they put the image. Fine!"
"Well, then don't be silent!" exclaimed Rybin, striking his palm on
the table.
"Don't suffer it," added Yakob softly.
Ignaty laughed. The mother observed that all three spoke little,
but listened with the insatiable attention of hungry souls, and
every time that Rybin spoke they looked into his face with watchful
eyes. Savely's talk produced a strange, sharp smile on their faces.
No feeling of pity for the sick man was to be detected in their manner.
Bending toward Sofya the mother whispered:
"Is it possible that what he says is true?"
Sofya answered aloud:
"Yes, it's true. The newspapers tell about such gifts. It happened
in Moscow."
"And the man wasn't executed for it?" asked Rybin dully. "But he
should have been executed, he should have been led out before the
people and torn to pieces. His vile, dirty flesh should have been
thrown to the dogs. The people will perform great executions when
once they arise. They'll shed much blood to wash away their wrongs.
This blood is theirs; it has been drained from their veins; they
are its masters.
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