vinced that he ought to do the thing that is right, and to have no thought for himself, and so the task was not an impossible one. But when the transfer was accomplished, the peasants, sordid materialists that they were, and destitute of all generous thoughts, evinced no gratitude, and even grumbled because he had not done more. More than once he was tempted to lose his patience, but each time he reflected that their gratitude or ingratitude were nothing to him, that the only thing that really concerned him was to do the thing that his conscience told him was right, and with this thought he returned contentedly to Moscow.
12. At last the day came when the gang of convicts was to be despatched to Siberia. Nehrodoff had of late been very frequently in and out of the Prison Gates on Cassia's business, and had learned a great deal about the life of the convicts, for whose miserable lot he had the deepest feelings of compassion. But now that he walked with them, and ate with them, he knew their circumstances better, and was filled
