Page:Leskov - The Sentry and other Stories.djvu/247

 Rh "You talk very well—why don't you do so?"

"Excuse me, Vladyko, do not ask me."

"No, you must tell me."

"If you require me to tell you, then explain to me why I should go there?"

"To teach and baptize."

"To teach? I am incapable of teaching, Vladyko!"

"Why? Is it the devil who won't allow you?"

"No, no! What is the devil? What danger is he to a Christian? You have but to make the sign of the cross with one finger, and he will disappear, but the little devils interfere; that's the trouble."

"What little devils?"

"The wearers of epaulets, the philanthropists, the pettifoggers, the officials with all their red tape."

"These seem to be stronger than Satan himself."

"Of course; you know, this is a race that nothing will exorcise, not even prayer and fasting."

"Well, then, you must simply baptize, as all baptize."

"Baptize?" Kiriak repeated after me—and suddenly was silent and smiled.

"What is it? Go on."

The smile faded from Kiriak's lips, and he continued, with a serious, almost stern look: