SCENE XI


The same, Derzhimorda and Svistunov.

GOVERNOR. Sh--sh! Bandy-legged bears--
thumping their boots on the floor! Bump, bump as if
a thousand pounds were being unloaded from a wagon.
Where in the devil have you been knocking about?

DERZHIMORDA. I had your order--

GOVERNOR. Hush! [Puts his hand over Derzhimorda's
mouth.] Like a bull bellowing. [Mocking him.]
"I had your order--" Makes a noise like an empty
barrel. [To Osip.] Go, friend, and get everything
ready for your master. And you two, you stand on the
steps and don't you dare budge from the spot. And
don't let any strangers enter the house, especially the
merchants. If you let a single one in, I'll-- The instant
you see anybody with a petition, or even without
a petition and he looks as if he wanted to present a
petition against me, take him by the scruff of the neck,
give him a good kick, [shows with his foot] and throw
him out. Do you hear? Hush--hush!

He goes out on tiptoe, preceded by the Sergeants.