He dies, and his son Pavel begins to bring forbidden books into the house. Friends come and talk; a small group is formed. Pelaguaya listens to what is said, but understands nothing. Gradually, however, there begins to filter into her old breast, like a stream of joy, an understanding of something big, of something in which she can take part. She discovers that she too is a free creature, and, obscurely, there is formed in her mind the notion that every human being has a right to live. Then she speaks: "The earth is tired of carrying so much injustice and sadness, it trembles softly at the hope of seeing the new sun which is rising in the bosom of mankind." So the obscure and miserable woman gradually rises to the dignity of "The Mother of the Prophet." And when Pavel accepts, like the martyrdom of the cross, his banishment to Siberia, with a joyous heart she sacrifices her son to the Idea. Her soul opens wide to the new truth that is lighting it. With the most touching abnegation, she tries to carry on the work of the absent one. But the police are watching. One day, when she is about to take the train to a neighboring town to spread the "good word" there, she is recognized and apprehended. Seeing that she is lost, the Mother, whose personality at this moment grows absolutely symbolic, cries out to the crowd: "'Listen to me! They condemned my son and his friends because they were bringing the truth to everybody! We are dying from work, we are tormented by hunger and by cold, we are always in the mire, always in the wrong! Our life is a night, a black night!' "'Hurrah for the old woman!' cries some one in the crowd. "A policeman struck her in the chest; she tottered, and fell on the bench. But she still cried: "'All of you! get all your forces together under a single leader.' "The big red hand of the policeman struck her in the throat, and the nape of her neck hit against the wall. "'Shut up, you hag!' cried the officer in a sharp voice. "The Mother's eyes grew larger and shone brightly. Her jaw trembled. "'They won't kill a resurrected soul!' "'Bitch!' "With a short swing the policeman struck her full in the face. "Something red and black momentarily blinded the Mother; blood filled her mouth. "A voice from the crowd brought her to herself: "'You haven't the right to strike her!' "But the officers pushed her, and hit her on the head. "'... It's not blood that will drown what's right.'... "Dulled and weakened, the Mother tottered. But she saw many eyes about her, glowing with a bold fire, eyes that she knew well and that were dear to her. "'... They will never get at the truth, even under oceans of blood!' "The policeman seized her heavily by the throat. "There was a rattling in her throat: "... 'The unfortunates!' "Some one in the crowd answered her, with a deep sigh." * * * * *