Marta caught it hot that day! That made her cry.
Peredonov left Vershina and thought he would like to smoke. He suddenly saw a policeman—standing in the corner of the street, shelling dry sunflower seeds.[6] Peredonov felt depressed.
"Another spy," he thought, "they're watching so as to have some excuse for finding fault with me."
He did not dare to light the cigarette which he had taken from his pocket, but walked up to the policeman and asked timidly:
"Mr. Policeman, is one allowed to smoke here?"
The policeman touched his cap and inquired respectfully:
"Why do you ask me, sir?"
"A cigarette," explained Peredonov, "may one smoke a cigarette here?"
"There's been no law about it," replied the policeman evasively.