Men come up with their belts.
NIKÍTA. Wait, there's plenty of time! [Bows to the ground before his father] Father, dear father, forgive me too,—fiend that I am! You told me from the first, when I took to bad ways, you said then, “If a claw is caught, the bird is lost!” I would not listen to your words, dog that I was, and it has turned out as you said! Forgive me, for Christ's sake!
AKÍM [rapturously] God will forgive you, my own son! [Embraces him] You have had no mercy on yourself, He will show mercy on you! God—God! It is He!
Enter Elder.
ELDER. There are witnesses enough here.
POLICE OFFICER. We will have the examination at once.
Nikíta is bound.
AKOULÍNA [goes and stands by his side] I shall tell the truth! Ask me!
NIKÍTA [bound] No need to ask! I did it all myself. The design was mine, and the deed was mine. Take me where you like. I will say no more!
Curtain.