WHERE ARE THE OTHERS ?
I2I
all that; we are simply concerned with the civil side. We are the representatives of the merchants and the intelligentsia. What is the most important thing for us to do ? The most important thing for us is to be ready. Have we anything ready ? Have we a centre ? No ! Who will be the mayor of the town ? We have no one. And that, gentlemen, is the most important question. The English will not stand on ceremony with the Bolsheviks, you’ll see, and I can assure you that things will change very rapidly.’ ‘ We don’t doubt it,’ said Charushnikov sulkily. ‘ Well, that’s splendid ! What is your opinion, Mr. Kislyarsky ? And yours, young men ? ’ The two louts, Nicky and Vlady, expressed their conviction that there would soon be a rapid change, and Kislyarsky, who had discovered that he would not be expected to take any active part, signified his approval by nodding. ‘ Well, what do you want us to do ? ’ asked Viktor Mikhaylovich impatiently. ‘ You wait! ’ said Dyadiev. ‘ You should remember Mr. Vorobianinov. What cautiousness ! Didn’t you notice how quickly he changed the subject round to helping the destitute children ? We are to help the children. So, gentlemen, let us nominate the candi dates.’ ' We propose Hippolyte as marshal of nobility,’ shouted the two young men. Charushnikov gave his assent and then said: ‘ Vorobianinov will never be less than a minister and probably a dictator ! ’ ‘ Gentlemen,’ said Dyadiev, ‘ that’s the last thing we should be deciding. Let us begin with the governor. I propose——’ ‘ Mr. Dyadiev 1 ’ shouted Polesovecst atically. ‘ Who else could take on such a responsibility ? ’ ‘ I am highly flattered,’ began Dyadiev, but Charush nikov suddenly interrupted.
