Trirodov invited the Captain to dinner. The Captain’s bribe was, of course, considerably larger than the Commissary’s. After a sumptuous dinner and drinks, and the bribe, the Captain suddenly became softer than wax. He began to dwell on the difficulties and annoyances of his position. Then Trirodov mentioned the search that had been made lately, and the beating the instructress Maria received at the police station. The Captain flushed with embarrassment and said with some warmth: “Upon my honour, it didn’t depend upon me. I must follow orders. Our new Vice-Governor--forgive the expression--is a regular butcher. That’s how he’s made his career.” “Is it possible to make one’s career by such means?” asked Trirodov. The Captain spoke animatedly--and it was evident that the career of the new Vice-Governor agitated his official heart considerably. “The facts must be familiar to you,” he said. “He killed his friend when he was drunk, was confined in a lunatic asylum, and how he ever got out is beyond comprehension. With the help of patronage he was given a position in the District Government and showed himself to be such an asp that every one marvelled. He quickly galloped into a councillorship. He subdued the peasants. Of course you must have heard about it?” “Who hasn’t heard about it?” asked Trirodov quietly. “The newspapers have certainly published enough about him,” the Captain continued. “Sometimes they added a trifle, but this was to his good. It turned every one’s attention to him. He was made Vice-Governor, and now he has redoubled his efforts, and is trying to distinguish himself further. He has an eye on the governorship. He is sure to go a long way. Our own Governor is on his guard on his account. I need not tell you what a powerful arm our Governor has in Petersburg. Nevertheless he can’t decide to thwart Ardalyon Borisovitch.[28]” “And yet in spite of that you....” “Do please consider what a time we are living in,” said the Captain. “There never was anything like it. There is such an unrest among the peasants that may God have mercy on us. Only the other day they played the deuce on Khavriukin’s farm. They carried away everything that could be carried away. The muzhiks even took away all the live stock. A pitiful case. Khavriukin is considered among the better masters in our government. He held the peasants in the palm of his hand. And now they’ve paid him back!” “Howsoever it may have happened,” said Trirodov, “still you did whip my instructress. That was rather shocking.” “Please!” exclaimed the Captain. “I will personally ask her pardon. Like an honest man.” Trirodov sent for Maria. Maria came. The Captain of the police poured out his apologies before her, and covered her sunburnt hands with kisses. Maria was silent. Her face was pale, and her eyes were aflame with anger. The Captain thought cautiously: “Such a woman would not stop at murder.” He made haste to take his leave. CHAPTER XXIX