Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/51

 44 boots that will last me a whole year, without losing their shape, and having no holes or cracks in them at the end of that time. If you can do this, you may take the order and begin cutting the goods at once. If not, you had better decline and not touch the leather. If you comply with these conditions, I will pay you ten rubles at the expiration of the year; but I warn you beforehand that if the boots do not give perfect satisfaction I will have you put in prison."

Simeon had by this time become quite alarmed, not knowing what to say. He glanced at Michael, and, nudging him with his arm, he whispered, "Shall I take the order or not?"

Michael did not reply in words, but he nodded in the affirmative.

Simeon acted upon his assistant's suggestion, undertaking to make the boots and guaranteeing that they would last a year and prove to be all their owner desired.

The nobleman, calling his servant, ordered him to take off his shoes. This done he thrust