Semyon looked at the
station-master and the station-master looked at Semyon, and they
recognised each other. He had been an officer in Semyon's regiment.
"You are Ivanov?" he said.
"Yes, your Excellency."
"How do you come to be here?"
Semyon told him all.
"Where are you off to?"
"I cannot tell you, sir."
"Idiot! What do you mean by 'cannot tell you?'"
"I mean what I say, your Excellency. There is nowhere for me to go to.
I must hunt for work, sir."
The station-master looked at him, thought a bit, and said: "See here,
friend, stay here a while at the station. You are married, I think.
Where is your wife?"
"Yes, your Excellency, I am married. My wife is at Kursk, in service
with a merchant."
"Well, write to your wife to come here. I will give you a free pass
for her. There is a position as track-walker open. I will speak to the
Chief on your behalf."
"I shall be very grateful to you, your Excellency," replied Semyon.
He stayed at the station, helped in the kitchen, cut firewood, kept
the yard clean, and swept the platform. In a fortnight's time his wife
arrived, and Semyon went on a hand-trolley to his hut.
Pages:
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236