“How is it you don’t give up that nasty habit?” said he.

Elisha waved his hand. “The evil habit is stronger than I,” he said.

Presently they got up and went on. After walking for nearly another eight miles, they came to a large village and passed right through it. It had now grown hot. Elisha was tired out and wanted to rest and have a drink, but Efím did not stop. Efím was the better walker of the two, and Elisha found it hard to keep up with him.

“If I could only have a drink,” said he.

“Well, have a drink,” said Efím. “I don’t want any.”

Elisha stopped.

“You go on,” he said, “but I’ll just run in to the little hut there. I will catch you up in a moment.”

“All right,” said Efím, and he went on along the high road alone, while Elisha turned back to the hut.