Ignat's face became gloomy, and
his eyes began to flash angrily.
"That's how it is," ejaculated Ignat, shaking his head. "Well,
you--don't you listen to them. They are not your equals; don't
have so much to do with them. You are their master, they are your
servants, understand that. If we choose to, we can put every one
of them ashore. They are cheap and they can be found everywhere
like dogs. Understand? They may say many bad things about me. But
they say them, because I am their master. The whole thing arises
because I am fortunate and rich, and the rich are always envied.
A happy man is everybody's enemy."
About two days later there was a new pilot and another machinist
on the steamer.
"And where is Yakov?" asked the boy.
"I discharged him. I ordered him away."
"For that?" queried Foma.
"Yes, for that very thing."
"And Petrovich, too?"
"Yes, I sent him the same way."
Foma was pleased with the fact that his father was able to change
the men so quickly. He smiled to his father, and, coming out on
the deck, walked up to a sailor, who sat on the floor, untwisting
a piece of rope and making a swab.
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