Kouzma, who already scented a big tip, never left Stepan Arkadyevitch's side, and put on him both his stockings and boots, a task which Stepan Arkadyevitch readily left him.

"Kostya, give orders that if the merchant Ryabinin comes...I told him to come today, he's to be brought in and to wait for me..." "Why, do you mean to say you're selling the forest to Ryabinin?" "Yes.

Do you know him?" "To be sure I do.

I have had to do business with him, 'positively and conclusively.

'" Stepan Arkadyevitch laughed.