Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/99

92 much ground as possible before the sun became hot. After ten versts' travel they came to a small river, on the bank of which they sat down. Procuring a few cupfuls of water, they prepared breakfast, after which they changed their bast-shoes and lay down to rest.

As they did this, however, Elissey produced his snuff, and Euthymus, seeing him taking a pinch, shook his head reprovingly and said:

"So you cannot give up that sinful habit?"

"Well," replied Elissey, waving his hand deprecatingly, "the sin overpowers me, and what can I do?"

At length they arose and continued their journey for a distance of ten versts more, and they had passed through a large village when the sun became very hot. Although Elissey was quite fatigued and desired some rest and refreshment, Euthymus would not stop. As the latter was the stronger and better walker of the two, his companion found it very difficult to keep up with him.