"And you were not able to notice who pulled you out?"
"Pardon me, I could not notice anything. I think it was he"—he pointed to the officer and added: "I could not distinguish anything. I was so scared."
"That's what it comes to. You were loafing about when you ought to have been asleep. Now look at him well and remember who was your benefactor. An honourable man risked his life to save you."
"I shall never forget it."
"Your name, sir?"
The officer mentioned his name.
"Do you hear?"
"I hear, your Excellency."
"You are Orthodox?"
"I am Orthodox, your Excellency."
"In your prayers for health, remember this man's name."
"I will write it down, your Excellency."
"Pray to God for him, and go away. You are no longer wanted."
He bowed to the ground and cleared off immeasurably pleased that he was released.
Svinin stood there, and could not understand how by God's grace things were taking such a turn.
