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"
"So-o! Shall I help you out?"
"Be so kind. Postpone the day of payment," begged Foma, modestly
lowering his eyes.
"Mm. Shall I assist you out of my friendship for your father? Well,
be it so, I'll do it."
"And for how long will you postpone it?" inquired Foma.
"For six months."
"I thank you humbly."
"Don't mention it. You owe me eleven thousand six hundred roubles.
Now listen: rewrite the notes for the amount of fifteen thousand,
pay me the interest on this sum in advance. And as security I'll
take a mortgage on your two barges."
Foma rose from the chair and said, with a smile:
"Send me the notes tomorrow. I'll pay you in full."
Shchurov also rose from his chair and, without lowering his eyes at
Foma's sarcastic look, said, calmly scratching his chest:
"That's all right."
"Thank you for your kindness."
"That's nothing! You don't give me a chance, or I would have shown
you my kindness!" said the old man lazily, showing his teeth.
"Yes! If one should fall into your hands--"
"He'd find it warm--"
"I am sure you'd make it warm for him.


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