Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/101

 94 night, for the sun was now high and shining directly in his face; but it was evident that he was not asleep. When Elissey called him and asked for a drink the man did not reply.

"He is either sick or very unkind," thought Elissey, as he moved toward the door. Within he heard loud crying, as of children in distress. Knocking at the door, he shouted:

"Friends!"

To this salutation he received no response. Again knocking, he cried out:

"Christians!"

Still no reply was given, when he knocked a third time and exclaimed:

"God's servants!"

Receiving, no answer, Elissey determined to leave the place at once, but as he turned to go he heard painful moans behind the door.

"I had better remain," he said to himself; "plainly some misfortune has befallen these people. I must investigate."

And he proceeded to enter the room,