Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/27

20 The man stood looking affectionately at Simeon, but seemed unable to utter a word.

"Why don't you speak?" asked Simeon. "If we stay here any longer we shall freeze. We must try to reach a place of shelter at once. Here, take my walking-stick if you are weak, and come along as quickly as you can."

The man obeyed, stepping lightly after the shoemaker. As they walked along the road, Simeon inquired of his companion:

"Who are you?"

"I am a stranger and do not belong here," was the reply.

"I thought I knew all my neighbors," said Simeon; "but how does it happen that I found you, a stranger, near the chapel?"

"It is impossible for me to tell you."

"Perhaps somebody has abused you?"

"Oh, no! No man has hurt me. I am being punished by God."

"Well, all things are done by God; but you must have had an object incoming here. What