see your own nose. And the rain beats into your face like a
snowstorm! [Picks up his clothes and axe.]

FEDYA. It's a good thing for the likes of us thieves. When the
cat's away the mice will play.

MERIK. Who says that?

FEDYA. Look and see ... before you forget.

MERIN. We'll make a note of it. ... [Goes up to TIHON] How do you
do, you with the large face! Don't you remember me.

TIHON. If I'm to remember every one of you drunkards that walks the
high road, I reckon I'd need ten holes in my forehead.

MERIK. Just look at me. ... [A pause.]

TIHON. Oh, yes; I remember. I knew you by your eyes! [Gives him his
hand] Andrey Polikarpov?

MERIK. I used to be Andrey Polikarpov, but now I am Egor Merik.

TIHON. Why's that?

MERIK. I call myself after whatever passport God gives me. I've
been Merik for two months. [Thunder] Rrrr. ... Go on thundering,
I'm not afraid! [Looks round] Any police here?

TIHON. What are you talking about, making mountains out of mole-hills? ...