The mother looked at him, and after a pause answered in vexation: “Oh, well, let them go to the dogs!” “Of course! But it’s time for you to go to bed, Nilovna. You must be desperately tired. You’re wonderfully strong, I must say. So much commotion and disturbance, and you live through it all so lightly. Only your hair is turning gray very quickly. Now go and rest.” They pressed each other’s hand and parted. CHAPTER XIII The mother fell quickly into a calm sleep, and rose early in the morning, awakened by a subdued tap at the kitchen door. The knock was incessant and patiently persistent. It was still dark and quiet, and the rapping broke in alarmingly on the stillness. Dressing herself rapidly, she walked out into the kitchen, and standing at the door asked: “Who’s there?” “I,” answered an unfamiliar voice. “Who?” “Open.” The quiet word was spoken in entreaty. The mother lifted the hook, pushed the door with her foot, and Ignaty entered, saying cheerfully: “Well, so I’m not mistaken. I’m at the right place.” He was spattered with mud up to his belt. His face was gray, his eyes fallen. “We’ve gotten into trouble in our place,” he whispered, locking the door behind him. “I know it.” The reply astonished the young man. He blinked and asked: “How? Where from?” She explained in a few rapid words, and asked: “Did they take the other comrades, too?” “They weren’t there. They had gone off to be recruited. Five were captured, including Rybin.” He snuffled and said, smiling: “And I was left over. I guess they’re looking for me. Let them look. I’m not going back there again, not for anything. There are other people there yet, some seven young men and a girl. Never mind! They’re all reliable.