"For example, that scoop there--what does IT say?"

"It is the word 'Good.'"

"'Good'? But what a slip-knot of a thing! And what are those
words THERE, on THAT line?"

"They say, 'Planks, 1 vershok by 9 arshini, 5.'"

"No, six was the number used."

"No, five."

"Five? Why, the soldier broke one, didn't he?"

"Yes, but never mind--at least it wasn't a plank that was
wanted."

"Oh! Well, I may tell you that he took the two pieces to the
tavern to get drink with."

Then, glancing into my face with his cornflower-blue eyes and
quiet, quizzical smile, he would say without the least confusion
as he twisted the ringlets of his beard:

"Put down '6.' And see here, young cockerel. The weather has
turned wet and cold, and the work is hard, and sometimes folk
need to have their spirits cheered and raised with a drop of
liquor. So don't you be too hard upon us, for God won't think