]. Give it to me, you booby! There are not only seven arschin here, but twenty-seven [
measuring quickly
]. One, two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve, and here are thirteen and fourteen. Do you want me to make still more out of it? You must shove the stick back in measuring. Can't you understand that? [
Throws the stick and calico upon Micho
.] Here, take it and be a man at last. You the shop-boy of such a great merchant and not find out a little thing like that. Haven't you learned yet how to steal half a werschok? Ha, ha, ha!
[Micho tries to free himself but becomes more entangled in the cloth.
BARSSEGH [
to Mosi
], I forbid such impudent talk in my presence! Be silent, or I'll show you.
MOSI. That's the way with all mankind. They never appreciate good intentions. [