Euthymus had a large family—two sons and one grandson, who, with their wives and children, lived in one house with their patriarch. This venerable moujik had always been blessed with good health, for he walked erect and with a firm step. He had a long, flowing beard, and no traces of gray were to be seen in his hair till he had passed his sixtieth year.
Elissey also was quite old. He was neither rich nor poor. At one time he had worked as a carpenter, but as old age crept upon him he began to remain at home and devote his time to the raising of bees. One of his sons labored on the outskirts of the village, while the other worked with his father. Elissey was a jolly, good-natured old fellow, who would not refuse a drink when it was offered to him. He also indulged liberally in the use of snuff. While Elissey was fond of singing and other amusements, he was generally regarded as a peaceful and worthy man who lived on friendly terms with his household and his neighbors. He was
