I replied that it was by the orders of authority.

"Probably for actions little becoming an officer of the Guards?"
resumed the persistent questioner.

"Will you stop your stupidities?" said the Captain's wife to him.
"You see the young man is fatigued by the journey; he has something
else to do besides answering you. Hold your hands better! And you
my dear sir," continued she, turning to me, "do not be too much
afflicted that you are thrust into our little town; you are not the
first, and will not be the last. Now, there is Alexis Chabrine, who
has been transferred to us for a term of four years for murder. God
knows what provocation he had. He and a lieutenant went outside the
city with their swords, and before two witnesses Alexis killed the
lieutenant. Ah! misfortune has no master."

Just then the Corporal entered, a young and handsome Cossack. "Maxim,"
said the Captain's wife, "give this officer a clean lodging."

"I obey, Basilia," replied the Cossack; "shall I lodge him with Ivan
Pologoff?"

"You are doting, Maxim, he has too little space now; besides, he is
my child's godfather; and, moreover, he never forgets that we are his
chiefs. What is your name, my dear sir?"

"Peter Grineff."

"Then conduct Peter Grineff to the quarters of Simeon Kieff. That
rascal let his horse into my vegetable garden. Is all right, Maxim?"