At this reply, Vladimir grasped his hair and stood motionless, like a man condemned to death.
“Where do you come from?” continued the old man. Vladimir had not the courage to answer the question.
“Listen, old man,” said he: “can you procure me horses to take me to Jadrino?”
“How should we have such things as horses?” replied the peasant.
“Can I obtain a guide? I will pay him whatever he pleases.”
“Wait,” said the old man, closing the shutter; “I will send my son out to you; he will guide you.”
Vladimir waited. But a minute had scarcely elapsed when he began knocking again. The shutter was raised, and the beard again appeared.
“What do you want?”
“What about your son?”
“He’ll be out presently; he is putting on his boots. Are you cold? Come in and warm yourself.”