The shoemaker addressed him and said:
"That's the way, my friend! Now move about and get warmed up. This business will be looked into without us. Can you walk?"
The man stood, looking meekly at Semén, but could not say a word.
"Why don't you speak? You can't stay here through the winter. We must make for a living place. Here, take my stick, lean on it, if you are weak. Tramp along!"
And the man went. And he walked lightly, and did not fall behind.
As they were walking along, Semén said to him:
"Who are you, please?"
"I am a stranger."
"I know all the people here about. How did you get near that chapel?"