Rabbi and Priest | Page 6

innkeeper; "and their presence seemed to cause a great
deal of ill-feeling."
Now it happened that there was not a single Jew in the tavern on that
memorable Sunday. The twelve Israelitish families of Togarog found
sufficient relaxation and entertainment in their own circle, and did not
in the least yearn after the boisterous and uncivil companionship of
Russian moujiks. Alas! they knew but too well that taunts and insults
would be their portion, if they but dared to show themselves at one of
these public gatherings. Moreover, the Jews were in the midst of their
Passover, a time during which the partaking of any refreshments not
prepared according to their strict ritual is sternly interdicted.
Be that as it may, Basilivitch did not allow such simple facts to stand in
his way. He had come with a very pretty and effective tale, and drew
largely upon his imagination to make it dramatic.
"Ah, the Jews again!" hissed the Governor. "Did they take an active
part in the insurrection?"
Basilivitch was forced to admit that they did not.
The Governor appeared disappointed.
"Well, what matters it?" he said. "They have been a menace to us long
enough. I doubt whether they have a legal right to live in this part of
Russia. We must investigate the matter. In the meantime, we will make
an example of them. Give me the names of those Hebrews that were
present."
Basilivitch's powers of improvisation failed him. In vain he endeavored
to remember the names of the Jews who would most likely have been
implicated in such an affair, but the names had slipped his memory.
"Your excellency," he stammered, "I never could tax my memory with

their outlandish names."
"It is of no consequence," said the Governor. "A Jew is a Jew. We will
make an example of the entire tribe. And now, good Basilivitch, of
what do the people complain?"
"It is a mere bagatelle, your excellency. They would like to imitate their
betters and live a life of ease and luxury; as though a serf were created
for anything but labor. They complain that they cannot lie upon a bed
of roses. They want their taxes remitted and would like their children to
be sent to school, to be brought up to detest honest work."
"Preposterous!" exclaimed the Governor. "What else have they to
complain of?"
"They say that, while they must toil from morning till night, the Jews
do nothing but amass wealth; that they must provide men for the army,
while the Jews remain at home."
"Stop!" cried the Governor in a fury. "Is what they say concerning the
Jews true?"
"It is, your excellency. They do not work in the fields, they have no
trades, they simply buy and sell and make money."
The Governor paced the room in silence, an occasional vehement
gesture alone giving evidence of the agitation or fear that was raging
within him. Finally, he stopped and stood before the obsequious
Basilivitch.
"We will find a plan to humble the haughty race," he said. "Return to
Togarog and keep your eyes open. Make out a list of the Jews in the
village, and find out exactly how many boys there are in each family,
and what are their ages. We will remove the brats from their parents'
influence and send them to the army, where they will soon become
loyal soldiers and faithful Catholics. Bring me the names of the moujiks
who supported Podoloff in his rebellion. I shall send them to Siberia to
reflect on the uncertainty of human aspirations. Now, go! Here is a

rouble for you. Should any new symptoms of revolt show themselves,
send me word at once."
Scarcely had the door closed upon Basilivitch, before the Governor
rang for his Secretary.
"Send two officers to Togarog at once," he commanded. "It appears my
good serfs are becoming unruly, and would like a taste of freedom. Let
the officers disguise themselves as peasants, and carefully observe
every action of Podoloff and his friends. Let our faithful Basilivitch
also be watched. I have my suspicions concerning that fellow. He is too
ready with his information."
The Secretary left the room to fulfil the Governor's instructions, while
Basilivitch remounted his horse and returned to his kretschma, to serve,
with smiling countenance and friendly mien, the men whom he had
devoted to irretrievable ruin.
CHAPTER III.
A FAMILY IN ISRAEL.
In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by
a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter. A decided
improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this
suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer. The houses were, if
possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an
air of home-like comfort about them,