Creatures That Once Were Men. Gorky Maksim

the son took the measuring instrument out of his pocket and gave it to his father, and they began to measure the ground. Both were silent and worried.

      "Aha!" shouted the Captain gleefully.

      All those who were in the dosshouse at the moment came out to look at them and expressed themselves loudly and freely in reference to the matter.

      "What does the habit of thieving mean? A man may sometimes make a big mistake when he steals, standing to lose more than he gets," said the Captain, causing much laughter among his staff and eliciting various murmurs of assent.

      "Take care, you devil!" shouted Petunikoff, "lest I have you in the police court for your words!"

      "You can do nothing to me without witnesses.. Your son cannot give evidence on your side".. the Captain warned him.

      "Look out all the same, you old wretch, you may be found guilty too!" And Petunikoff shook his fist at him. His son, deeply engrossed in his calculations, took no notice of the dark group of men, who were taking such a wicked delight in adding to his father's discomfiture. He did not even once look in their direction.