Petr persisted in his question:
"I asked, against whom was that written?"
"I suppose they know!" replied Osip, arranging himself for sleep on a scaffolding.
"If it is written against stepmothers, it is a waste of time. It won't make stepmothers any better," said the bricklayer firmly. "And if it is meant for Petr, it is also futile; his sin in his answer. For murder you go to Siberia, and that's all there is about it! Books are no good for such sins; no use, eh?"
Osip did not reply, and the bricklayer added;
"They can do nothing themselves and so they discuss other people's work. Like women at a meeting. Good-by, it is bedtime."
He stood for a minute in the dark blue square of the open door, and asked:
"Are you asleep, Osip? What do you think about it?"
"Eh?" responded the carpenter sleepily.
"All right; go to sleep."