arrested; of course it had to be done."

I went out. The policeman who had brought the beggar was seated on
the window-sill in the ante-chamber, staring gloomily at a note-book.
I asked him:

"Is it true that the poor are forbidden to ask alms in Christ's
name?"

The policeman came to himself, stared at me, then did not exactly
frown, but apparently fell into a doze again, and said, as he sat on
the window-sill:-

"The authorities have so ordered, which shows that it is necessary,"
and betook himself once more to his note-book. I went out on the
porch, to the cab.

"Well, how did it turn out? Have they arrested him?" asked the
cabman. The man was evidently interested in this affair also.

"Yes," I answered. The cabman shook his head. "Why is it forbidden
here in Moscow to ask alms in Christ's name?" I inquired.

"Who knows?" said the cabman.

"How is this?" said I, "he is Christ's poor, and he is taken to the
station-house."

"A stop has been put to that now, it is not allowed," said the cab-
driver.