“We are not Kursk men, brother.”

“Tambov, then?”

“But we are not from Tambov either. You’ll get nothing from us, brother. You go and ask a rich peasant.”

“I’ve colliwobbles and rumble-tumbles in my belly today. And where is he living, your rich peasant?”

“Why, Gazin yonder is a rich peasant, you go to him.”

“Gazin’s having a spree today, lads, he is drinking; he is drinking all his money.”

“He’s worth a good twenty roubles,” observed another. “It’s a good business, lads, selling vodka.”

“Well, won’t you welcome a friend? I must have a sup of regulation fare then.”

“You go and ask for some tea. The gentlemen there have got some.”