Indeed I do not know, said the Commandant, looking at his watch by the firelight.

'It didn't seem like that,' said the commandant, shaking his head thoughtfully.

He's a giddy-pate! said the commandant, ironically.

'That's something we can always manage,' said the commandant, rubbing his hands together.

But," said the Commandant, turning, as the door opened, "you had better ask her for yourself."

'No, no,' said the commandant and started shaking his head again, splashing sweat about.

"The Lord Proprietor will certainly hear of this," said the Commandant, musing.

"Vassilissa Igorofna," said the Commandant, "this is not a place for women.

"Get on your coat," said the Commandant, sharply, putting on his trousers.

"Sit down, then," said the commandant, "and satisfy your hunger, my friend."

"See who?" said the commandant, who happened to be at his elbow.

"You have not, then, despaired?" said the commandant, with a cold smile.

"I won't be far behind 'em," said the Commandant, "at any rate."

"Have your own way," says the commandant, relenting; "you always do.

"They would not be coming from that direction," said the commandant.

"Well," said the Commandant, "I see we can get nothing out of him.