sotted with strong drink
that they were scarcely able to see the way to the door, stagger up
before the burnished shrine, and, steadying themselves the best they
could, gravely and solemnly go through their devotions.

But I see you are beginning to yawn, and, notwithstanding the most
exciting part of the adventure is about to commence, it would be
extremely injudicious in me to force it upon you under circumstances
so disadvantageous to both parties. You will therefore oblige me by
finishing your nap, and, with your permission, we will proceed with
our narrative as soon as it may be mutually agreeable. In the mean
time, I beg you will regard what I have already told you as strictly
confidential. My reputation, both for veracity and general good
character, is involved in this very extraordinary affair, and it would
be unfair that either the one or the other should be prejudiced by a
partial exposition of the facts.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE DENOUEMENT.

I noticed that the traktir, in settling accounts with his customers,
made use of a peculiar instrument commonly seen in the shops and
market-places throughout the city. Behind a sort of bar or counter at
the head of the room he kept what is called a _schot_, upon which he
made his calculations. This is a frame about a foot square, across
which run numerous wires. On each wire is a string of colored pieces
of wood somewhat resembling billiard-counters, only smaller. The
merchant, trader, traktir, or craftsman engaged in pecuniary
transactions uses this instrument with wonderful dexterity in making
his calculations. He believes it to be the only thing in the world
that will not lie or steal. If you have purchased to the amount of
thirty kopeks, you would naturally conclude that out of a ruble (one
hundred kopeks) your change would amount to seventy. Not so the
sagacious and wary Russian. He takes nothing for granted in the way of
trade. Your calculations may be erroneous--figures obtained through
the medium of mental arithmetic may lie, but the schot never. The
experience of a lifetime goes for nothing. He must have proof
positive. Taking his schot between his knees, he counts off thirty
balls out of a hundred. Of course there is no mistake about that.
Neither you nor he can dispute it. Then he counts the remainder, and
finds that it amounts to seventy--therefore your change is seventy
kopeks! Do you dispute it? Then you can count for yourself. You might
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