SATINE. That’s splendid! It’ll be safer with me—I’ll gamble with it . . .
MIEDVIEDIEFF. I’m a witness—the money was given you for safe-keeping. How much is it?
BUBNOFF. You? You’re a camel—we don’t need witnesses . . .
ALYOSHKA [comes in barefoot] Brothers, I got my feet wet!
BUBNOFF. Go on and get your throat wet—and nothing’ll happen—you’re a fine fellow—you sing and you play—that’s all right! But it’s too bad you drink—drink, little brother, is harmful, very harmful . . .
ALYOSHKA. I judge by you! Only when you’re drunk do you resemble a human being . . . Kleshtch! Is my concertina fixed? [Sings and dances]
“If my mug were not so attractive,
My sweetheart wouldn’t love me at all . . .”
Boys, I’m frozen—it’s cold . . .
MIEDVIEDIEFF. Hm—and may I ask who’s this sweetheart?
BUBNOFF. Shut up! From now on, brother, you are neither a policeman nor an uncle!