“Where did he hang himself? Do you know?”
“In the shed next to the dog’s kennel. He let the dog loose, and then hanged himself.”
Sina and Yourii simultaneously seemed to hear a shrill voice exclaim:
“Lie down, Sultan!”
“Yes, and he left a note behind,” continued Riasantzeff, unable to conceal the merry twinkle in his eyes. “I made a copy of it. In a way, it’s really a human document.” Taking out his pocket-book he read as follows:
“Why should I live, since I do not know how I ought to live? Men such as I cannot make their fellow-creatures happy.”
He stopped suddenly, as if somewhat embarrassed. Dead silence ensued. A sad spirit seemed to pass noiselessly through the room. Tears rose to Sina’s eyes, and Lialia’s face grew red with emotion. Yourii smiled mournfully as he turned towards the window.
“That’s all,” said Riasantzeff meditatively.
“What more would you have?” asked Sina with quivering lips.
Ivanoff rose and reached across for the matches that were on the table.