[4] The peasant uses the Ruthenian dialect, the effect of which is lost in a translation.
[5] "Tuft-headed," the name given to the Little Russians by the Great Russians, from their mode of wearing their hair.
"These?" asked our host, nodding his head at us.
"Yes."
Our host was silent and thoughtful, he scratched his head a bit.
"I should like to know myself," he explained.
"Maybe you are pilgrims?" they inquired of us.
"Yes!" replied Promtov.
A long silence prevailed, in the course of which the three khokhli regarded us doggedly, suspiciously, and inquisitively. At last they all sat down to table and began, with loud crunching, to consume the crimson water-melons.
"Maybe one of you is a scholar?" said one of the khokhli, turning towards Promtov.