"Leave me alone!" said Jakoff, moving a step forward. But Sereja had seized his other leg.

"Sit down beside me."

"Why!... What new nonsense are you up to?"

"It's not nonsense I Sit down."

Jakoff set his teeth, and obeyed.

"What do you want?"

"Wait Hold your tongue ... whilst I think; and then I'll talk to you."

He looked the lad up and down, and Jakoff submitted.

Malva and Vassili walked on for a few moments in silence. Malva's eyes had a strange sparkle in them. And Vassili was gloomy and preoccupied. Their feet sank into the sand, and they walked with difficulty.

"Vassia!"