Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/95

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88
Two Old Men.

they might continue and reach their destination in peace and brotherly love.

While on the road Elissey was constantly repeating to himself the prayers (or "Lives of the Saints") which he knew so well by heart. Those whom they met on the highway and at the stopping-places he treated with great kindness, never forgetting to say a few words about God's goodness. So they continued on their way rejoicing.

There was one thing, however, which Elissey had never been able to accomplish—he could not abandon the use of snuff. He had left his snuff-box at home, and had begun keenly to feel the need of it when he chanced to meet a stranger on the way who shared with him what he had of the beloved powder, after which Elissey at frequent intervals, stepping behind his companion (so as not to oblige the latter to participate in his sin), would take a pinch of snuff.

Euthymus walked along with his usual firm