But Volodin thought and thought and decided that it was not worth while going. He said with an important air: "They're always running after me, but I don't want girls so loose that they run away from home." He was afraid that he would get a beating, for the Soldiers' Baths were situated in a lonely place on the outskirts of the town. * * * * * When the dense, noisy, uproariously gay crowd was pushing its way into every part of the Club House, from the door of the dancing hall came a noise, laughter and exclamations of approval. Everyone crowded in that direction. It was announced from one to another that a fearfully original mask had come in. A thin, tall man, in a greasy, patched dressing-gown, with a besom under his arm, with a hat in his hand, made his way through the crowd. He had a cardboard mask on,--a stupid face, with a small, narrow beard and side whiskers, and on his head was a cap with a round official badge. He kept repeating in an astonished voice: "They told me there was a masquerade[1] here, but no one seems to be bathing." And he languidly swung a pail. The crowd followed him, exclaiming, and genuinely admiring his original idea. "He'll get the prize," said Volodin enviously. Like many others, he envied unthinkingly--he himself wore no costume, so why should he be envious? Machigin was enthusiastic over this costume, the badge especially aroused his delight. He laughed uproariously, clapped his hands, and observed to acquaintances and to strangers: "A fine criticism! These officials always make a great deal of themselves--they wear badges and uniforms. Well, here's a fine criticism for them--very clever indeed." When it got hot, the official in the dressing-gown began to fan himself with the besom, exclaiming: "Well, here's a bath for you."[2] Those near laughed gleefully. There was a shower of cards into the pail. Peredonov looked at the besom wavering above the crowd. He thought it was the nedotikomka. "She's gone green, the beast!" he thought in horror. [1] Masquerade. This word is used in Russia to mean either a ball or a bath, owing to the fact that clothes are taken off on both occasions. [2] Referring to the fact that a besom is used in Russian and Turkish baths. CHAPTER XXX At last the counting of the cards began. The stewards of the Club composed the committee. A tensely expectant crowd gathered at the door of the judges' room. For a short time in the dancing-hall everything became quiet and dull. The music ceased. The company grew silent. Peredonov felt sad. But soon an impatient hum of conversation began in the crowd. Someone said in an assured tone that both prizes would go to actors. "You'll see," someone's irritated, hissing voice could be heard saying. The crowd was restless. Those who had received only a few cards were vexed at this. Those who had a larger number of cards were disturbed by the expectation of a possible injustice.