Meeting the Fugitives
35
And that alone gives to the wagons a pitiful and sinister expression.
They stop at villages, and I cross-question them about the state of affairs.
—Have you any sick?
—No. We're a healthy set.
They praise up their horses.
—How much they've endured! What horses they are!
Along this "Way of the Cross" takes place
—A selection.
A terrible "natural," selection.
I am to see this later on.
All the weak ones perish.
Both of people and cattle.
They are tried by sickness, hunger, and cold.
From Baranovitch to Bobruisk, from Bobruisk by way of Dovsk to Roslavl, and in Roslavl, all the weak ones "remain behind."
