He gazed up; the stars were shining high in the heavens, and Dina's eyes, at the edge of the pit, gleamed in the darkness like a cat's.
She craned her head over, and whispered, "Iván, Iván." And she waved her hands before her face, meaning, "Softly, please."
"What is it?" said Zhilin.
"All have gone, there are only two at home."
And Zhilin said, "Well, Kostuilin, let us go, let us make our last attempt. I will help you."
Kostuilin, however, would not hear to it.
"No," says he, "it is not meant for me to get away from here. How could I go when I haven't even strength to turn over?"
"All right, then. Good-by.[104] Don't think me unkind."
He kissed Kostuilin.
He clasped the pole, told Dina to hold it firmly, and tried to climb up. Twice he fell back,—his clog so impeded him. Kostuilin boosted him; he managed to get to the top: Dina pulled on the sleeves of his shirt with all her might, laughing heartily.