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A messenger was immediately sent in search of Gavryl, who was soon found
and again brought into the presence of the judges.
"
Is it true," they asked, "that you said you would burn Ivan's house and
all it contained?"
Gavryl replied: "I did not say anything of the kind. You may give me as
many lashes as you please--that is, if you have the power to do so.
It seems to me that I alone have to suffer for the truth, while he,"
pointing to Ivan, "is allowed to do and say what he pleases." Gavryl
wished to say something more, but his lips trembled, and the words
refused to come; so in silence he turned his face toward the wall.
The sight of so much suffering moved even the judges to pity, and,
becoming alarmed at Gavryl's continued silence, they said, "He may do
both his neighbor and himself some frightful injury."
"See here, my brothers," said one feeble old judge, looking at Ivan and
Gavryl as he spoke, "I think you had better try to arrange this matter
peaceably. You, brother Gavryl, did wrong to strike a woman who was in
delicate health. It was a lucky thing for you that God had mercy on
you and that the woman did not die, for if she had I know not what dire
misfortune might have overtaken you! It will not do either of you any
good to go on living as you are at present. Go, Gavryl, and make friends
with Ivan; I am sure he will forgive you, and we will set aside the
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