In the future a contemporary gang

And Aksionov wrote no extra petitions; gave up all hope, and solely prayed to God.

Aksionov was condemned to be flogged and despatched to the mines. So he was flogged with a knout, and when the injuries made by the knout had been healed, he was pushed to Siberia with different convicts.

For twenty-six years Aksionov lived as a convict in Siberia. His hair turned white as snow, and his beard grew lengthy, skinny, and grey. All his mirth went; he stooped; he walked slowly, spoke little, and by no means laughed, however he usually prayed.

Sufficient jail

In jail Aksionov discovered to make boots, and earned a little bit cash, with which he purchased The Lives of the Saints. He learn this ebook when there was gentle sufficient within the jail; and on Sundays within the prison- church he learn the teachings and sang within the choir; for his voice was nonetheless good.

The jail authorities appreciated Aksionov for his meekness, and his fellow-prisoners revered him: they known as him “Grandfather,” and “The Saint.” After they wished to petition the jail authorities about something, they all the time made Aksionov their spokesman, and when there have been quarrels among the many prisoners they got here to him to place issues proper, and to evaluate the matter.

No information reached Aksionov from his dwelling, and he didn’t even know if his spouse and kids had been nonetheless alive.

One day a fresh gang of convicts got here to the jail. Within the night the outdated prisoners collected spherical the brand new ones and requested them what cities or villages they got here from, and what they had been sentenced for. Among the many relaxation Aksionov sat down close to the newcomers, and listened with downcast air to what was stated.

One of many new convicts, a tall, sturdy man of sixty, with a closely- cropped grey beard, was telling the others what he had been arrested for.

“Nicely, mates,” he stated, “I solely took a horse that was tied to a sledge, and I used to be arrested and accused of stealing. I stated I had solely taken it to get dwelling faster, and had then let it go; moreover, the motive force was a private good friend of mine.

So I stated, ssss’ssssIt` all proper.ssss’ssss ssss’ssssNo,ssss’ssss stated they, ssss’ssssyou stole it.ssss’ssss However how or the place I stole it they may not say. I as soon as actually did one thing incorrect, and ought by rights to have come right here way back, however that point I used to be not discovered. Now I’ve been despatched right here for nothing in any respect. … Eh, but it surely` lies Issss’ssssm telling you; Issss’ssssve been to Siberia earlier than, however I didn’t keep lengthy.”