1
Foma Pukhov is not presented by sensitivity: it on a coffin of the wife cut boiled sausage, having got hungry owing to absence of the mistress.
-- The nature takes! - Pukhov on this question has concluded. After burial of wife Pukhov has laid down to sleep, because it is strong ishlopotalsja and namajalsja. Having woken up, he has wanted to kvass, but kvass all left during illness of the wife - and is not present now zabotchika about the foodstuffs. Then Pukhov has lighted - for thirst liquidation. He has not had time to finish smoking, and to it someone has loudly knocked with an implicit hand.
-- Who? - Pukhov has shouted, disorganising a body for the last potjagivanija. - pogorevat will not give, swine! However a door has opened: can, with business the person has come. The watchman from office of the chief of a distance has entered.
-- Foma Egorych, - the permit! Undersign for the column! Again sweeps
-- Trains become. Having undersigned, Foma Egorych has had a look in a window: really, the blizzard began, and the wind already whistled over oven vjushkoj. The watchman has left, and Foma Egorych has begun to grieve, overhearing a growing furious blizzard, - both with boredom, and from homelessness without the wife.
-- All is made under nature laws, - he has certified to itself(himself) and has a little calmed down. But the blizzard was terribly developed over Pukhov's head, in an eternal pipe so it would be desirable to have near to itself something such - not speaking about the wife, but at least living creatures what. Under the permit at station it was necessary to be at sixteen o'clock, and now hours twelve still it is possible to have a sleep, as it has been made Fomoj Egorychem, not paying attention to blizzard singing over vjushkoj. Having languished and having steamed out, Pukhov nasilu has woken up. Unintentionally he has shouted, on old consciousness:
-- Glasha! - the wife has called; but the wooden small house underwent blows of snow air and all peeped. Two rooms stood absolutely empty, and nobody has listened to words Fomy Egorycha. And happened, the sympathising wife now will respond:
-- To you of that, Fomushka?
-- And anything, - will answer, happened, Foma Egorych, is I so has called: whether you are whole! And now any answer and participation: here they, nature laws!
-- To give to my old woman major repairs - it would be live, but means are not present and harchi the bad! - Pukhov has told to itself, stringing together the Austrian boots.
-- Though the automatic machine would invent any: to what to me the worker to be has bothered! - argued Background Egorovich, packing into a bag I peep: bread and millet. On a court yard he was met by snow blow in the person and storm noise.
-- Reptile the confused! - aloud and towards to moving space Pukhov has told, calling all nature. Passing deserted privokzalnoj a large village, Pukhov it is angry muttered - not from rage, and from grief and more for some reason, but paternal
-- He aloud has not told. At station already there was under steams a heavy, powerful steam locomotive with the car fastened to it - a snowplow. On a snowplow it has been written: "System of engineer E.Burkovskogo". "Who this Burkovsky where it now and whether is live? Who knows it!" - with grief Pukhov has thought, and for some reason at once it wanted to it to see this Burkovsky. The chief of a distance has approached To Pukhov:
-- Read, Pukhov, undersign, and - have gone! - also has submitted the order: "the right way from Kozlova to Lisok Is ordered to hold continuously pure from snow for what to start up in unceasing job all serviceable snowplows. After satisfaction of military trains all steam locomotives to put for draught of snowplows. In case of emergency to remove for the same draught station steam locomotives on duty. At strong blizzards ahead of each military structure the snowplow that for a minute movement has not been stopped should work permanently and fighting capacity of Red Army is not weakened. Before. Heads. A roar. Committee of Ju.-century. d. Rudin. The commissioner of means of communication JU.-Z. d. Dubanin". Pukhov has undersigned - those years try do not undersign!
-- Again week not to sleep! - the machinist of a steam locomotive, too having undersigned has told.
-- Again! - Pukhov has told, feeling strange pleasure from forthcoming difficult trouble: all the life is somehow more imperceptible and shibche goes. The chief of a distance, the engineer and the proud person, patiently listened to a blizzard and looked over a steam locomotive any abstract eyes. Its time two put to a wall, it has quickly turned grey also to all has obeyed - without the complaint and without reproach. But has for ever become silent and spoke only orders. There was a person on duty on station, has handed over to the chief of a distance the permit and has wished a kind way.
-- To the Count stop is not present! - the chief of a distance mashinistu. - Forty versts has told! Whether water at you if a fire chamber it is necessary to force all time will suffice?
-- Will suffice, - has answered mashinist. - Waters much - all we will not evaporate! Then the chief of a distance and Pukhov have entered into a snowplow. There eight workers and until red kalili chugunku state fire wood already laid, having opened for fresh air a window.
-- Again navonjali, devils! - has felt and has guessed Puhov. - And after all have just come and harchej fat, should, not edali! Eh, idols! The chief of a distance of villages on a round chair at a convex window, whence it operated all job of a steam locomotive and a snowplow, and Pukhov became at the balance weight. Workers too have risen at the places, at the big handles by means of which on the balance weight cargo was quickly thrown - and the balance weight lifted that, lowered snegosbrosnyj a board. The blizzard howled persistently and exactly, having reserved by huge pressure somewhere in southeast steppes. In the car it was not pure, but warmly and somehow secluded. The station roof rattled glands, otstegnutymi a wind, and sometimes this gnash of iron alternated with a far artillery volley. The front worked in sixty versts. White all time nestled on a railroad line, searching for a cosiness in cars and station buildings, having got tired in snow steppe on thin horses. But white wrung out armour trains red, strewing snow lead from the worn out machine guns. At night - silently, without fires, a silent course - there passed armored trains, looking through dark spaces and trying a steam locomotive a way integrity. It is not known at night; the low steppe tree will wave from afar to a train - and it will cut and will take down machine-gun fire: in vain do not move!
-- It is ready? - The chief of a distance has asked and has looked at Pukhov.
-- It is ready! - the answer silt Pukhov also took levers in both hands. The chief of a distance has pulled a cord to a steam locomotive - that has started singing, as a gentle steamship, and has roughly pulled a snowplow. Having jumped out from station ways, the chief of a distance one hand has sharply and shortly pulled a cord of a locomotive whistle, and another has waved to Pukhov. It meant: job! The steam locomotive has shouted, the machinist has opened all steam, and Pukhov has moved both levers, lowering a board with knifes and developing wings. Now the snowplow has handed over speed and has started to co-ordinate in snow, sticking to rails, as to magnets. The chief of a distance has once again pulled a cord on a steam locomotive that meant - to strengthen draught! But the steam locomotive all shivered from an overstrain and sifonil so, that from a pipe heat took off. Its wheels for nothing turned in snow as in abrupt soil, bearings were heated from frequent turns and bad butter, and the fireman all vzmok from job with a fire chamber in spite of the fact that ran out behind fire wood on the tender where it prohvatyval dvadtsatigradusnyj a wind. The snowplow and steam locomotive have got to deep snow pass. One chief of a distance was silent - to it was all the same. Other people on a steam locomotive and on a snowplow were roughly expressed in any self-made language, at once baring heart-felt thoughts.
-- Steam has not enough! poshuruj a fire chamber and prosifon that balanets has rung out, - then we take! Balance - an automatic safety lock from excessive pressure of steam in a copper. (A comment of the author.)
-- Light! - has shouted worker Pukhov, having guessed that becomes on a steam locomotive. The chief of a distance too has taken out a tobacco pouch and filled in a slice of the newspaper green samogonnoj makhorka. To a blizzard for a long time have got used and have forgotten about it, as about normal air. Having smoked, Pukhov has got out of the car here again only has found out a storm thunder, rage of a cold and firing of dry snow.
-- Here svolota! - Pukhov, hardly coping with with what it needed to cope has told. The balance of a steam locomotive suddenly has without restraint begun to roar, lowering superfluous steam. Pukhov has jumped in the car - and a steam locomotive now and has at once snatched out a snowplow from a snow hillock, probuksovav wheels so, that fire fell down from a rail. Pukhov even has seen, how water from a locomotive pipe from too big opening of steam has lashed, and has estimated the machinist for courage:
-- The guy at us on a steam locomotive is good!
-- And? - Senior worker Shugaev has asked.
-- That and? - Has answered Puhov. - That akaesh? A grief around, and you talk. SHugaev therefore has become silent. The steam locomotive has hooted two times, and the chief of a distance has shouted:
-- Close job! Pukhov has jerked the lever and has lifted a board. Approached on moving where counterrails laid. Such places passed without job: the snowplow board cut snow below a head of a rail and could not work, when at a rail something was - then the snowplow would overturn. Having driven moving, the snowplow has rushed open steppe. Covered by snow, the skilful iron way laid. Pukhov always was surprised to space. It calmed him in suffering and increased pleasure if it was available a little. And now - Pukhov has had a look in zapushennoe a window: it is visible nothing, and it is pleasant. The snowplow, having rigid springs, rattled, as a cart on hummocks, and, seizing snow, a cloud pushil it on the right slope of a way, trembling the thrown out wing; this wing has been appointed to throw snow on the party - that it and did. In Count have made considerable parking. The steam locomotive took water, the assistant to the machinist cleaned a smoke box, a fire chamber and an other fire economy. The frosted over machinist did nothing, but only swore for this life. From a staff of any sailor's group standing in Count, to it have brought to spirit, and Pukhov too has passed in a share, and the chief of a distance has refused.
-- Drink, the engineer, - has offered it the main sailor.
-- I thank it is obedient. I drink nothing, - the engineer has evaded.
-- Well, as you want! - has told matros. - And that drink - you will be warmed! You want, fishes I will bring you attempt? The engineer has again refused, for the unknown reason.
-- Eh you, ooze! - has told then offended matros. - After all to you with soul give - it is not a pity to us, - and you do not take! You sing, please! The machinist and Pukhov drank and chewed all regardless of obstacles, smiling about the chief.
-- Lag behind you it! - has chopped off another matros. - It to eat wants, but its idea does not order! The chief of a distance has kept silent. There is it really did not want. One month ago it has returned from business trip - from under Tsaritsyn where handed over the restored bridge. Yesterday it has received the dispatch, that the bridge has given under military train: klepka the bridge went hastily, nekvalifitsirovannye put rivets hastily, and now bridge farms were embroidered - with one feeling of weight in the slightest degree a heavy train. The bridge investigation of the case two days ago has begun, and at home at the chief of a distance the summons from the inspector railway Revtribunala laid. Appointed in an emergency trip, the engineer could not go in Revtribunal, but remembered it. Therefore to it it was not drunk and it was not eaten. But it too had no fear, being tormented with continuous indifference; indifference, he felt, can be more terrible than timidity - it evaporates a soul as water slow fire and when you will regain consciousness - remains from heart one dry place from the person; Then the person though daily to a wall put - it to smoke will not ask: last pleasure of the executed.
-- Now where will go? - The main sailor has asked Pukhov.
-- Should, on the Dirt!
-- Correctly: under Usmanju two echelons and an armored car in snowdrifts have got stuck! - has recollected matros. - Cossacks, speak, Davydovku took, and shells for Kozlovom in drifts stand!
-- Let's clear away, a steel we cut, and snow - substance trifling! - Pukhov, hastily finishing drinking last drops of spirit that nothing vanished during such time has confidently defined.
---- Have got under way on the Dirt. The old man has thrust with the passenger - as if went from the son in Liski, - and who knows it! Have gone. The balance weight has rung out, throwing a board that downwards, upwards, zaburchali workers to whom has not got sailor's fat fish.
-- Apples mochenyh I would eat now! - has told on full to a course of snowplow Puhov. - Uh, and would eat - a bucket would eat!
-- And I a herring would attempt! - the old man-passazhir. has answered it - People say, that in Astrakhan a herring of that millions poods decay, only routes there are not present!
-- You have planted, you and be silent sit! - has strictly warned Puhov. - the Herring it would attempt! As if without it to eat it there is nobody!
-- And I, - vstrjal in conversation assistant Pukhov, mechanic Zvorychnyj, - on wedding in Usmani was, so a full cock have eaten
-- Was fat, a devil!
-- And how much cocks were on a table? - Pukhov has asked, feeling on taste of that cock.
-- One also was - whence now cocks?
-- What you have not expelled from wedding? - Pukhov tried to find out, wishing that him have expelled.
-- No, I have early left. Has got out of a table as if on a court yard has wanted, - muzhiks go often, - and has left.
-- And you, the old man, is not time to climb down - your village is not visible still? - Pukhov passazhira. has asked - Look, and that razbalakaeshsja - you will slip! The old man has jumped up to a window, has breathed on glass and poter it.
-- Places as if acquaintances have gone - as if Hamovsky vyselki stick out on juru.
-- Time Hamovsky vyselki - you to a place, - has told expert Puhov. - Climb down, while on lifting prem! The old man pochuhalsja with a bag also it is obedient has minded:
-- The car hodko runs, already air murmurs, - terribly to be killed, the mister the machinist! Perhaps okorotit will allow for one minute - I at once.
-- Has considered! - oserchal Puhov. - Okorotit to it the state car in a wartime! Now to the Dirt of a stop will not be! The old man has kept silent, and has then asked especially obedient voice:
-- Affected, brakes the mighty have gone now - on everyone skorotu okorot give!
-- Slaz, slaz, the old man! - serchal Puhov. - Skorotu to it okorotit! Not on stone mountain you jump, and during snow! So softly it is necessary, that itself you will lie down - and you will be pulled still! The old man left on an external platform, has examined a cord on a bag - not for durability, of course, and for time stealing that spirit to be typed, - and then was gone: should, has plopped down.
---- From the Dirt to a snowplow have handed over the order: to conduct behind itself an armored car and a train of the people's commissar, punching a trench in drifts, up to Lisok. To a snowplow have given double draught: other steam locomotive has conceded a train of the people's commissar - the enormous quiet car of Putilovsky factory. The heavy fighting train of the people's commissar always went on two best steam locomotives. But also two steam locomotives have grown weak now from snow because snow is worse some sand. Therefore not steam locomotives were in glory that rebellious and snow winter, and snowplows. And that the white were smashed by artillery of armored trains under Davydovkoj and Liskami, happens because brigades of steam locomotives and snowplows destroyed snowdrifts, not sleeping weeks and eating dry porridge. Pukhov, for example, Foma Egorych, at once pochel such employment by ordinary business and only was afraid, that makhorka from the free market will disappear; therefore its pood had houses, having checked up weight on a steelyard. Not reaching station Well, the snowplow became: Two mighty steam locomotives which dragged it as a plough, have flown in a snowdrift and were buried on a pipe. The Machinist-petrogradets from a train of the people's commissar, a conducting head steam locomotive, has been beaten out from a seat and will throw out on the tender from steam locomotive blow during snow and an instant stop. And its steam locomotive, not surrendering, continued to slip on a place, shivering from furious hopeless force, furiously pressing a breast of mountain of snow ahead. The machinist has jumped during snow, going for a drive in him a blood-stained head and muttering unprecedented curses. Pukhov has approached to it with four own teeth in a fist - it was knocked by a jaw about the lever and has pulled out from a mouth oslabshie a superfluous teeth. In other hand it bore a sack with the harchami bread and millet. Not looking at the laying machinist, it was lost in contemplation of its remarkable steam locomotive still fighting in snow.
-- The car, the swine is good! Has then shouted to the assistant:
-- Close steam, stervets, cranks you will tear! From a steam locomotive nobody has answered. Having put harchi on snow and having thrown a teeth, Pukhov itself has got on a steam locomotive to close a regulator and a siphon. In a box the dead assistant laid. It has thrown a head on the probe, and in the embroidered skull copper was pushed - so it has hung and has died, watering with blood black oil on a floor. The assistant was kneeling, having scattered dark blue helpless hands and with the head pinned to the probe. "And how it, the fool, has run into the probe? And just after all in a cinciput, in the most parent rodnichok has sufficed!" - Pukhov has found out event. Having stopped running on the spot of a raging steam locomotive, Pukhov has inspected all its device and has again thought of the assistant: "It is a pity the fool: steam well held!" The manometre really and now showed thirteen atmospheres, almost limiting pressure, - and it after ten hours of a course per deep dense snow! The blizzard abated, passing in a wet snowfall. On the cleared away ways the armored car and a train of the people's commissar in the distance smoked. Pukhov from a steam locomotive has left. Workers of a snowplow and the chief of a distance climbed on a stomach in snow to a steam locomotive. The brigade too has descended from the second steam locomotive, having tied up the broken heads dirty obtirochnymi the ends. Pukhov has approached to the Petrograd machinist. That sat on snow and put it to a blood-stained head.
-- Well, - he has addressed to Pukhov, - as there is a car? Has closed blew?
-- All on a place, the mechanic! - has answered in an office way Puhov. - the Assistant only yours was killed, but I to you Zvorychnogo ladies, the guy intellectual, only to guzzle is healthy!
-- Good, - has told mashinist. - Put to me of a small loaf on a wound and portjankoj okruti! Blood, a Satan, in any way I will not stop up!
---- Because of a snowplow the lovely tired muzzle of a horse has looked out, and in two minutes the Cossack group has approached on a steam locomotive in the person fifteen. Anybody has not paid the necessary attention to them. Pukhov with Zvorychnym had a snack; Zvorychnyj advised to Pukhov by all means to insert a teeth, only steel and nickelized - in the Voronezh workshops can make: all life then you will not use up about the firmest food!
-- Again can beat out! - Pukhov has minded.
-- And we to you hundred will do their pieces, - has calmed Zvorychnyj. - Superfluous in a tobacco pouch in a stock will put.
-- You correctly speak it, - Pukhov has agreed, thinking, that the steel is stronger than a bone and a teeth it is possible to prepare weight on the milling machine tool. The Cossack officer, seeing calmness of workmen, has become puzzled and has become hoarse a voice.
-- Citizens workers! - the officer has deliberately told, moving seminormal glazami. - the Name of Great National Russia I order to you to deliver steam locomotives and snegochistku to station Podgornoe. For refusal - execution on a place! Steam locomotives silently spoke hoarsely. Snow to fall has ceased. The wind of thaw and far spring blew. At the machinist blood on a head was curtailed and did not flow any more. It has scratched a dry crust of an ichor and the difficult, weakened step has gone on a steam locomotive.
-- To go waters to shake and fire wood to enclose - the car to freeze a reluctance! Cossacks have taken out revolvers and have surrounded workmen. Then Pukhov rasserchal:
-- Here swine, in the mechanic do not understand, and order!
-- Shto! - has begun to wheeze ofitser. - the March on a steam locomotive, differently a bullet in a nape you will receive!
-- That you, a devil's doll, frighten of a bullet! - has cried, being forgotten, Puhov. - I will grease you with a nut! You do not see, that in pass people have sat down also were beat! Fuljugan, lines! The officer has heard short deaf hooter of an armored train and has turned back, having waited to shoot at Pukhov. The chief of a distance laid on an overcoat, laid on snow, and about something gloomy reflected, considering the sickly, become warmer sky. Suddenly on a steam locomotive the person in a bad way has cried., Likely, the machinist removed that from the probe of the broken assistant. Cossacks have descended from horses and wandered round a steam locomotive, as though searching for the lost.
-- On horses! - the officer has shouted to Cossacks, having swept up turned out from zakruglenija bronepoezd. - Start up steam locomotives, to shoot I will begin! - also has shot at a head of the chief of a distance - that and has not shuddered, but only has rolled up tired feet and has turned away downwards the person from all. Pukhov has jumped on a steam locomotive and has begun to roar in all siren faltering alarm. The ingenious machinist has opened the steam crane of an injector, and all steam locomotive was wrapped up with steam. The Cossack group has started to shoot completely workers, but those were hammered under steam locomotives, failed, escaping, in snowdrifts, - and all have escaped. From the armored train which have approached to a snowplow almost closely, have struck from trehdjujmovki and have stitched from a machine gun. Otskakav sazhens on twenty, the Cossack group has started to sink in snow and has been absolutely shot from an armored train. Only one horse has left and has rushed on steppe, plaintively shouting and straining a thin fast body. Pukhov long looked at it and has grown thin from sympathy. From an armored train have unhooked a steam locomotive and have brought it behind to a snowplow a pusher. An hour later, having lifted steam, three steam locomotives have pressed through snow pass on ways and were pulled out on a pure place.
2
In Liskah three days had a rest. Pukhov has exchanged on oleonaft ten pounds of makhorka and was happy. At station it ischital all posters also dragged newspapers from a propaganda centre for the notification. Posters were different. peremalevali from the big icon - where arhistratig George amazes one poster of a dragon, being at war on a hellish bottom. To George have attached Trotsky's head, and to a dragon-reptile have drawn a head burzhuja; crosses on George Pobedonostsa's cope have sketched stars, but the paint was bad, and from under stars crosses were seen besides. It is Pukhov depressed. He jealously watched revolution, being ashamed for its each nonsense though in it was a little involved. On station walls the manufactory with propaganda words hung: In hands we books take, Study, the proletarian, you will be clever!
-- Too it is inconsistent! - has cried Puhov. - It is necessary so to write, that all fools have in absentia grown wiser! Each day lived by us - a nail in a bourgeoisie head. We will eternally live - start up her head suffers!
-- Here it surezno! - regarded Puhov. are firm words! Time to Liskam a train - good carriages, Red Army men at doors approaches, and any meshochnika it is not visible. Pukhov stood in that hour on a platform at doors and something considered. The train stops. Nobody leaves cars.
-- Who it has arrived with this echelon? - Pukhov of one smazchika asks.
-- And who knows it? Affect, the main commander one in the whole train! The forward car left musicians, have approached to the train middle, were constructed and have played a meeting. A little later there is an average soft seated carriage a thick military person and smears to musicians with a hand: will be, say, it is happy! Musicians have dispersed. The military chief slowly descends on steps and goes to station. Behind it there are other military people - who with a bomb, who with a revolver who for a sabre keeps who so swears, - full protection. Pukhov has passed following and has come to be about a propaganda centre. There already krasnoarmejskaja the weight, different railwaymen and greedy muzhiks before education. The arrived military chief has ascended to a tribune and here to it all have begun to clap, not knowing its surname. But the chief has appeared the strict person and at once has chopped off:
-- Companions and citizens! On first time I excuse, but I declare, that henceforth similar demonstrations did not repeat! Here not the circus, and I not the clown - to slap hands together here beside the point! The people have fallen silent at once and have with affection stared at the orator - especially meshochniki: can, say, the person will remember and will plant on a train. But the chief, having explained, that bourgeoisie entirely the swine, has left, not having remembered any sweet. Any meshochnik and has not got to an empty long train: protection has told, that manumissions cannot go by a military train of special function.
-- And he empty, - all will common thrash! - thin muzhiks argued.
-- The empty train is necessary to the commander by order of! - Red Army men from protection have explained.
-- Time by order of - we do not argue! - obeyed meshochniki. - Only we not in a train will sit down, and on stsepkah!
-- Anywhere it is impossible! - answered ohranniki. - Only on a wheel spoke it is possible! At last the train has left, postrelivaja in air - for a fright greedy to transport meshochnikov.
-- Affairs! - Pukhov to one depovskomu slesarju. has told - the Small body on forty axes carry!
-- Loading small - on a rope the louse tashchut! - the mechanic has approximately measured depovsky.
-- Section car to it to give - and it is fine! - has thought Puhov. - Spend in vain the American steam locomotive! Going to a barrack after portion of food, Pukhov examined any inscriptions and announcements on road - it was the fan before reading and appreciated any human thought. On a barrack the announcement which Pukhov has read continuously three times hung:
COMPANIONS WORKERS
Staff IХ of Workers' and Peasants' Red Army forms voluntary groups of technical forces for service of front needs of the Red armies operating in the North Caucasus, Kuban and the Black Sea coast. The destroyed railway bridges, coastal defensive works, a communication service, cannon repair shops, mobile mechanical bases - all this, taken as a whole, demands skilful proletarian hands which does not suffice in operating Red armies of the south. On the other hand, without means the victory over enemies of workers and peasants, cannot be provided by the strong technics received for nothing from antantovskogo of imperialism. Companions workers! We urge you to register in groups of technical forces at representatives Revvoensoveta - IХ on all Ry junctions of the Condition of service learn from companions of representatives. Long live Red Army! Long live a Workers' and Peasants' class! Pukhov has broken a leaf pasted by a flour, and has incurred it to Zvorychnomu.
-- Let's get under way, Peter! - Pukhov Zvorychnomu. has told - What clown here to smoke! On extreme measures, the southern country we will see and in the sea we are bought! Zvorychnyj was silent, thought of the family. And at Pukhov the woman has died, and it pulled on a world's end.
-- Think, Petruha! On the business: what army without mechanics! And on snegoochistke there is nothing - the spring in a fly blows! Zvorychnyj again was silent, regretting wife Anisju and the boy, too Peter whom mother called vyporotochkom.
-- We go, Petrush! - admonished Puhov. - Mountain horizons we will see; and becomes more fair somehow! And that saw - typhus echelons a rod, and we sit - rations we receive!. Revolution will pass, and to us remains nothing! You, will tell, shto did? And you shto will tell?.
-- I will tell, that rails from snow cleaned! - has answered Zvorychnyj. - Without transport too to be at war it is impossible!
-- It shto! - has told Puhov. - You, will tell, bread received for that, job normal! And than you have free of charge offered, will ask, with that you sincerely sympathised? Here where a hitch! In Voronezh the former generals rake up snow - and for that pound a day receive! As also we with you!
-- And I think, - did not give in Zvorychnyj, - we here with you it is more necessary!
-- That is known to nobody, where we with you it is more useful! - Pukhov pressed, - If only to think, too far will not leave, it is necessary to have feeling also!
-- Yes to you nonsense will pour! - zadosadoval Zvorychnyj. - Who it will consider - who that did, than was engaged? And so to rest is not present from a life such! To you now all the same - one on light, - here also pulls you, the fool! Probably you think the woman there pokrasivshe to find, - feeling you understand! The muzhik you not the old
-- Without the woman you will be inflated soon! Well also bring down there at a tort!.
-- The fool you, Peter! - has given up hope Puhov. - In the mechanic you understand, and the in itself prejudicial person! From a grief Pukhov and to have dinner did not become, and has gone to the representative to register, at once to cope with affairs. But when has come
-- Has eaten two dinners: the cook had a kind feeling for it for poludku pans and for clever conversations.
-- After civil war I a red nobleman will be! - Pukhov spoke to all friends in Liskah.
-- It why the such? - Its workmen ljudi. asked - Means, how in olden time will be, and the earth to you will give?
-- What for to me the earth? - Answered happy Puhov. - Nuts, what l, I will sow? That will be honour and a rank, instead of oppression.
-- And we, means, red vahlakami we remain? - Workmen learnt.
-- And you on front creep, instead of chuhajtes on own houses! - Pukhov was expressed and left to wait sendings on the south.... A week later Pukhov and more the five mechanics accepted by the representative, have gone to Novorossisk - to port. Went long and difficultly, but there are affairs even more difficultly, and Pukhov has forgotten subsequently this travel. On road it of a distance on five pounds of a vobla and on kovrige breads, therefore the mechanic were full, only drank water at all stations. In Ekaterinodare Pukhov sat week - there was somewhere a fight, and to Novorossisk nobody was passed. But in this green inveterate small town for a long time have got used to war and tried to live cheerfully. "Swine! - thought of all Puhov. - Times do not feel!" In Novorossisk Pukhov has gone on the commission which ostensibly checked knowledge of experts. It have asked, from what steam becomes.
-- What steam? - Has used cunning Puhov. - Idle time or peregretyj?
-- In general... Steam! - the examining chief has told.
-- From water and fire! - Pukhov has chopped off.
-- So! - has confirmed ekzamenator. - That such a comet?
-- Wandering star! - Pukhov has explained.
-- Correctly! And tell, when and what for there was the eighteenth brjumera? - The examiner has passed on politgramotu.
-- On Bruce's calendar of one thousand nine hundred twenty eighth on eighteenth of October - one week prior to the Great October revolution, released proletariat of all world and all decorated people! - Pukhov reading that has not become puzzled has got, when the wife was live.
-- Approximately correctly! - the chairman verifying komissii. - Well has told, and what you know about navigation?
-- Navigation happens tjazhelshe waters and it is easier some water! - Pukhov has firmly answered.
-- What you know engines?
-- Kompaund, Otto-Dejts, mills, poshvennye wheels and any eternal movement!
-- What is the horsepower?
-- Horse who operates instead of the car.
-- And why it operates instead of the car?
-- Because at us the country with backward technics - a snag plough, a nail reap!
-- What is the religion? - The examiner was not appeased.
-- Charles Marx's prejudice and national moonshine.
-- For what the bourgeoisie religion was necessary?
-- That the people did not grieve.
-- Whether you like, companion Pukhov, proletariat as a whole and agree for it a life to put?
-- I like, a companion the commissioner, - has answered Pukhov to pass examination, - and blood to pour agrees, only that knowingly and not durikom!
-- It is clear! - the examiner has told and has appointed it in port the adjuster for repair of any vessel. The vessel that has appeared a boat, under the name "Mars". In him the kerosene motor did not wish to spin - it and have given to Pukhov in repairing.
---- Novorossisk has appeared a windy city. And a wind somehow here barrels uselessly: will load, blows and blows, even extraneous things from it heated up, and the wind was cold. In Crimea then sat Vrangel, and with repair of "Mars" Bolsheviks hurried - said, that Vrangel sea attack thinks to make, so that was than to be protected.
-- So at it English a cruiser, - Pukhov, - and explained our "Mars" - a sea boat, its brick it is possible to sink!
-- The red Army all can! - answered Pukhov matrosy. - We to Tsaritsyn on chips have come, fists a city shurovali!
-- So that fight, instead of war! - doubted Puhov. - And the kernel not a class thing - is live to a bottom will start up! The kerosene motor on "Mars" in any way did not wish to spin.
-- There would be you a steam-engine, - Pukhov argued, sitting alone in vessel hold, - I you at once zamordoval! And that by the rascal any it is invented: see wires any, meljashki... A confused thing! The sea did not surprise Pukhov - shakes and prevents to work.
-- Our steppes will be even more spacious, and the wind is even purer there, only not such confused, the silence will blow in the afternoon, and at night. And here - blows, blows and blows, - that you with it will do? Muttering and smoking, Pukhov sat over the engine which did not go. Three times it assorted it and again collected, then twisted for start-up - the motor spoke hoarsely, and to turn persisted. At night Pukhov too thought of the engine and convincingly squabbled with it, laying in empty kajutke. Time to Pukhov to "Mars" the sea commissioner has come and speaks:
-- If you do not start up tomorrow the car, I you in the sea without the ship a dense forest, kopusha, lines!
-- Good, I will start up this the swine, only in the sea I will stop, when you by the ship will be! Be dug itself then, fuljugan! - has answered as Pukhov follows. Wanted then commissioner to shoot down Pukhov, but has thought, that without the mechanic bad war. Pukhov all night long fought. Has changed the mind anew all invention of this car, has altered it on the understanding on any new car, has removed shameful parts and has put simple - and by the morning the motor without restraint zapyhal. Pukhov then has switched on the screw - the motor has pulled the screw, but has hard begun to breathe.
-- See, - Pukhov has told, - as lines Athos climbs up! Again the sea commissioner in the afternoon has come.
-- Well, has started up the car? - Asks.
-- And you thought, I will not start up? - Has answered Puhov. is only you from under Ekaterinodara have got away, and I from what I will not recede, time am necessary!
-- Well, good, good, - has told happy komissar. - Know, that to kerosene at us a little - protect!
-- To me it not to drink - how much is, will be so much, - Pukhov has positively declared.
-- After all the motor with water goes? - The commissioner has asked.
-- Well, kerosene heats, water cools!
-- And you strive to kerosene less, and it is more than water, - the commissioner has made opening. Here Pukhov has laughed loudly all rare silent voice.
-- What you, the fool, rejoice? - The commissioner has asked in disappointment. Pukhov could not stop and was joyfully gone.
-- To you not the Soviet power, and all nature to establish it is necessary, - you dexterously would consider it! Eh you, mehonosha! Having heard it, the commissioner has left, having lost a certain internal honour. And in Novorossisk there were arrests and defeat of prosperous people. "That they of people shurujut? - Thought Puhov. - What such thunder-storm from these clowns? They and so further a zavalinka to leave are afraid". Except arrests, on a city papers have been stuck: "Owing to heavy medical weariness of the orators, any meetings this week will not be". "Now to us it will be boring", - grieved, reading, Pukhov. Meanwhile in port there was a small fighter "Star". There a hole zaklepyvali and anchor lebedku repaired. Pukhov there went to look, but it have not started up.
-- That this such? - Has taken offence Puhov. - I see, there toadies work. I to help wanted, and that happens in the sea a malfunction!
-- Not veleno anybody to start up! - the sentry-Red Army man has answered.
-- Well, the clown with you, suffer! - Pukhov has told and has left, anxious. To evening of the same day the Turkish transport vessel "SHanja" has come to port. In club spoke, what is it a gift Kemalja-plough, the Turkish leader, but Pukhov doubted.
-- I saw, - he, - that spoke to Red Army men a vessel serviceable! There is you a Turkish sultan in a wartime such gifts to do - at it shortage!
-- So it our friend, the Kemal-pasha! - explained krasnoarmejtsy. - You, Pukhov, in the politician - a wattle fence!
-- And you have removed onuchas - think, a nail became? - Pukhov took offence and left in a corner to look posters to which he, however, especially did not trust.
---- At night Pukhov has woken signal army from a staff. Pukhov was frightened a little.
-- Should be, the sea commissioner spoils! On a staff court yard there was a big group of Red Army men in full marching equipment. There and then there were three workmen, but too in military overcoats and with teapots.
-- Companion Pukhov, - has addressed the commander of group, - you why not in the military form?
-- I and so am good, that to me a teapot to cling! - Pukhov has answered and became to storonke. There was a night - and huge darkness, - and in mountains the wind and water rustled. Red Army men stood silently, dressed in new overcoats and about what did not speak. Not that they were afraid of something, not that observed secret from each other. In mountains and far vicinities occasionally someone shot, destroying an unknown life. One Red Army man has rung out with a rifle, - it have at once calmed, and it has scented the shame, to the heart. Pukhov too something has become agitated, but did not express this feeling not to rustle. The lantern over a stable shined domestic nechistotu and shivered not clear light on pale faces of Red Army men. The wind which has unintentionally come from mountains, spoke about boldness with which he is at war over defenceless spaces. He and to people advised the business - and those heard. In a city dogs committed excesses, and people, likely, silently bred. And here, on a deaf court yard, other people have been captured by alarm and special voluptuousness of courage because, that them wish to reduce in quantity. There was on the middle a military commissioner of a regiment and has quietly started to speak, as if had before itself one person:
-- Dear companions! Now at us not meeting, and I will tell a little... The Higher command of Republic has ordered Revvoensovetu to our army to strike in back Vrangelju which now burns down in Crimea. Our problem just in crossing Kerch strait on those courts which at us are, and to land on the Crimean coast. There we should incorporate to red-green guerrilla groups operating in back Vrangelja and to cut off Vrangelja from courts where it will rush when northern Red Army will break through Recopeck We should destroy bridges and roads at Vrangelja, to tear to pieces its back and to block to it the sea, to burn out at once all this infection! Red Army men! Will reach Crimea to us hard, and it is a risky thing. There float patrol a cruiser which will sink us if will notice. It I should you tell openly. And if we will reach, dangerous, deadly struggle among the brutal opponent is necessary to us. Not much we will escape, and can, anybody when Crimea becomes Soviet, - here that I wish to tell to you, dear companions Red Army men! And further that, I wish to ask you, companions, whether agree you this business to go voluntary? Whether you feel courageous courage in yourselves to offer advantage of a life for the blessing of revolution and the Soviet Republic? If who is afraid or fluctuates, with whom the family remained also to it it it is a pity - start up leaves and will tell, that it was clear, and we will release such companion! Central our government assigns great hope of our operation more soon to finish war and to start peace building at the front work! I look forward to hearing from you, companions Red Army men! I should pass now it Revvoensovetu to army! The military commissioner has terminated speech and stood having frowned, - to it it was good and awkward. Red Army men too were silent. And at Pukhov all shivered inside. " Here this business, - he thought, - here it, Bolshevist war, - nothing to hatch out eggs here! "Anybody any more did not hear a wind and did not see night mountains. The world was eclipsed in all eyes as the distant event, everyone has been occupied by the general life. The lantern on a court yard too has gone out, having spent the kerosene, and anybody has not noticed it. Suddenly from numbers one Red Army man acts and definitely speaks:
-- Companion the commissioner! Pass Revvoensovetu to army and all command, that we wait for the order on performance! We did not wait for that, that to us have rendered such great honour and have charged to finish off Vrangelja! I am convinced of that, that I speak in all sincerity all Red Army men if I will tell, that, so, we thank and also we swear to give the blood force and a life, time that it is necessary to the Soviet power, - that's all! That there delay to pull and for that to wait, time people in the Soviet Russia with hunger dies, and here the swine in Crimea sits and is stirred! Red Army men have become agitated and have joyfully hooted, though, on common sense, there was nothing to rejoice. There was one more Red Army man and has declared:
-- Correctly the staff has made, that the landing has appointed. With perekopa let Vrangelja trahnut in a muzzle, and we at once in back, - here then it with a root will lay down, and the English ships spasenja will not give to it! Here again there is a commissioner:
-- Companions Red Army men! We in a staff and knew! We waited from you for that high consciousness and selflessness of revolution which you now here have shown! On behalf of Revvoensoveta and army commands I express you gratitude and I ask to consider those words which I have told, as military secret. You know, that Novorossisk is full White Guard spies, and we will be doomed to destruction if who that learns! The order on performance will be especially given. Thanks, companions! The commissioner has hastily left, and Red Army men still stood. Pukhov has approached to them and has started to listen. For the first time in a life to it became so it is a shame with something, that the skin has reddened under a bristle. It has appeared, that on light of veins the good people and the best people did not regret themselves. Cold night was poured by a storm, and lonely people felt melancholy and exasperation. But anybody that night was not shown in streets, and lonely houses too sat, listening as clap from a collar wind. If who went to the friend, hurrying there to spend uneasy time back home did not come back, and spent the night on a visit. Everyone knew, that it is waited in the street by arrest, night interrogation, viewing of documents and long sitting in a rotten cellar, will not be established yet, that this person all life begged, or the definitive victory will not be gained yet by Bolsheviks. And meanwhile peasants from northern places, having put on in an overcoat, left unusual people, - without a regret about a life, without mercy to themselves and to liked relatives, with strong hatred to the familiar enemy. These armed people to be ready twice to torn to pieces if only also the enemy with them was lost, and the life has not got to it. At night Pukhov played with Red Army men in draughts and told it about the commander who never saw. Pukhov, not seeing pleasure in a life, has got used to decorate its heroic stories, and all from that became more cheerful. In the group appointed in a landing, was five hundred persons, - and happens, that all of them from different places. Therefore for other day has gone five hundred letters to Russian five hundred villages. The whole half-day Red Army men painted and karjakali a paper, being excused with mothers, wives, fathers and more distant relatives. Pukhov too helped, who was especially weak in letters, and invented such letters, that Red Army men approved:
-- Harmoniously you write, Foma Egorych, - I will cry!
-- And that as? - Pukhov spoke, - there is nothing to laugh loudly here: business not the comic! The odd fellow you the person! After a dinner Pukhov has gone to the commissioner:
-- Companion the commissioner, me in a landing take?
-- We take, companion Pukhov, then you and called yesterday on meeting! - the commissioner has answered.
-- Only I ask, a companion the commissioner to appoint me the mechanic on "SHanju", - there, I have heard, a steam-engine, and on "Mars" the kerosene motor, it to me not spodruchen: it is hefty it is small!
