Doubrovsky frowned.
“Listen, Arkhip,” said he, after a short pause: “Get such ideas out of your head. It is not the fault of the officials. Light the lantern and follow me.”
Arkhip took the candle out of his master’s hand, found the lantern behind the stove, lit it, and then both of them softly descended the steps and proceeded around the courtyard. The watchman began beating upon an iron plate; the dogs commenced to bark.
“Who is on the watch?” asked Doubrovsky.
“We, little father,” replied a thin voice: “Vassilissa and Loukeria.”
“Go home,” said Doubrovsky to them, “you are not wanted.”
“You can have a holiday,” added Arkhip.
“Thank you, benefactor,” replied the women, and they immediately returned home.
Doubrovsky walked on further. Two men approached him: they challenged him, and Doubrovsky recognized the voices of Anton and Grisha.
“Why are you not in bed and asleep?” he asked them.