new no
Russian, but were good-natured enough.

As soon as they saw Pahom, they came out of their tents and gathered
round their visitor. An interpreter was found, and Pahom told them he
had come about some land. The Bashkirs seemed very glad; they took Pahom
and led him into one of the best tents, where they made him sit on some
down cushions placed on a carpet, while they sat round him. They gave
him tea and kumiss, and had a sheep killed, and gave him mutton to
eat. Pahom took presents out of his cart and distributed them among the
Bashkirs, and divided amongst them the tea. The Bashkirs were delighted.
They talked a great deal among themselves, and then told the interpreter
to translate.

"They wish to tell you," said the interpreter, "that they like you, and
that it is our custom to do all we can to please a guest and to repay
him for his gifts. You have given us presents, now tell us which of the
things we possess please you best, that we may present them to you."

"What pleases me best here," answered Pahom, "is your land. Our land is
crowded, and the soil is exhausted; but you have plenty of land and it
is good land. I never saw the like of it."

The interpreter translated. The Bashkirs talked among themselves for a
while. Pahom could not understand what they were saying, but saw that
they were much amused, and that they shouted and laughed. Then they were
silent and looked at Pahom while the interpreter said:

"They wish me to tell you that in return for your presents they will
gladly give you as much land as you want. You have only to point it out
with your hand and it is yours."

The Bashkirs talked again for a while and began to dispute. Pahom asked
what they were disputing about, and the interpreter told him that some
of them thought they ought to ask their Chief about the land and not act
in his absence, while others thought there was no need to wait for his
return.

VI

While the Bashkirs were disputing, a man in a large fox-fur cap appeared
on the scene. They all became silent and rose to their feet. The
interpreter said, "This is our Chief himself."

Pahom immediately fetched the best dressing-gown and five pounds of
tea, and offered these to the Chief. The Chief accepted them, and seated
himself in the place of honour. The Bashkirs at once began telling him
something. The Chief listened for a while, then made a sign with his
head for them to be silent, and addressing himself to Pahom, s