ruble or two to the price per yard."

BOLSHÓV. I suppose you know, brother, how the Germans in our shops swindle
the gentlemen. Even if we're not Germans, but orthodox Christians, we, too,
like to eat stuffed pasties. Ain't that so? Ha?

RISPOLÓZHENSKY _laughs._

PODKHALYÚZIN. Why certainly, sir. "And you must measure," I say, "more
naturally: pull and stretch ju-u-u-st enough, God save us, not to tear the
cloth: you see," I say, "we don't have to wear it afterwards. Well, and if
they look the other way, nobody's to blame if you should happen to measure
one yard of cloth twice."

BOLSHÓV. It's all one. I suppose the tailor'd steal it. Ha? He'd steal it,
I suppose?

RISPOLÓZHENSKY. He'd steal it, Samsón Sílych, certainly that rascal would
steal it; I know these tailors.

BOLSHÓV. That's it; the whole lot of them are rascals, and we get the
thanks.

RISPOLÓZHENSKY. Quite right, Samsón Sílych, you're certainly speaking the
truth.

BOLSHÓV. Ah, Lázar, profits are rotten these days: it's not as it used to
be. [_After a moment of silence_] Well, did you bring the paper?

PODKHALYÚZIN. [_Taking it from his pocket and handing it over_] Be so good