Page:Diamonds To Sit On.pdf/249

 THE VIEW ON TO THE MALACHITE POOL 237

' Well, Pussy,’ said Bender, ' we’re strangers in such a holiday crowd.’ The friends spent the first night at the Narzan spring. It was only after the third performance of Gogol’s Marriage that the two friends realized the difficulties of their search for the treasure. It was not such an easy matter as they had thought to find a way into the theatre, because Galkin, Palkin, Malkin, Chaikin, and Zalkind slept at the back of the stage, for their paltry wages did not give them a chance of living in an hotel. Day after day passed and the friends were almost desperate. They were beginning to feel weak from trying to sleep on the spot where Lermontov had fought his famous duel, and they were tired of trying to get money in casual tips from tourists. On the sixth day Bender managed to make friends with Mechnikov, whose business it was to look after the hydraulic press. At that time Mechnikov was in a terrible state. He had no money for drinks, and Bender noticed that he had begun to sell some of the stage properties in the market. Gradually their friend­ ship ripened to such a degree that one morning at the springs they confided in each other. Mechnikov called Bender ‘ a good sort ’ several times and was ready to agree to anything. ‘ All right,’ said he. ‘ That’s quite easy. With the greatest of pleasure, my dear fellow.’ It did not take Bender long to discover that Mech­ nikov had a good business head, and after discussing the matter in detail, the two schemers slapped each other on the back and laughed heartily. ‘ Well,’ said Bender, ‘ I’ll give you ten roubles. ' My dear fellow,’ said Mechnikov astonished, ' you positively startle me ! I’m absolutely exhausted from drinking this Narzan.’ ‘ How much do you want then ? ’