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steaming samovar awaited them, and they began to drink tea with Michael,
who, after lighting his pipe, called the elder to him.
"
Well," said the superintendent, "have you ordered the moujiks to plough
to-day?"
"
"
"
"
Yes, sir, I did," was the reply.
Have they all gone to the field?"
Yes, sir; all of them. I directed them myself where to begin."
That is all very well. You gave the orders, but are they ploughing?
Go at once and see, and you may tell them that I shall be there after
dinner. I shall expect to find one and a half acres done for every
two ploughs, and the work must be well done; otherwise they shall be
severely punished, notwithstanding the holiday."
"I hear, sir, and obey."
The elder started to go, but Michael called him back. After hesitating
for some time, as if he felt very uneasy, he said:
"
By the way, listen to what those scoundrels say about me. Doubtless
some of them will curse me, and I want you to report the exact words. I
know what villains they are. They don't find work at all pleasant. They
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