Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/45

 38 procure both for yourself. What can you do?"

"I do not know how to do any kind of work," the stranger replied.

On hearing this, Simeon was very much surprised, and he said: "If only you are willing, you can learn to do everything. People who are in good health should always work. I have to work very hard." Then, after a pause, he asked, "What is your name?"

"Michael," replied the man.

"Well, Michael," the shoemaker said, "you do not appear to care to say much about yourself. But that is your own business. What we have to consider is how you are to be fed. If you will follow my directions I will see that you get what you need."

"God bless you!" replied Michael. "I am only too willing to learn. Show me what to do and I will do it."

Simeon took a rough waxed-end, and placing it around his finger proceeded to attach a bristle