Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/157

150 He did good work, using the most durable materials, for which he charged reasonable prices; but, above all, he always kept his promise. If it was possible for him to accomplish a given work by a certain date he would undertake it, but not otherwise. He would never deceive his customers, but would always inform them exactly when their work would be finished.

On account of the good reputation which Martin had thus earned, he always had plenty of work, and was known favorably for miles around.

While still young he was regarded as a good, honest man, and now that old age had begun to creep upon him, he thought more and more about the salvation of his soul and how to approach nearer to his Creator.

Martin, while still in the service of a master, lost his wife, but as if to console him for her death he still had left a boy three years old. All the other children had died some years before.