Nikíta. Don't shield me! I am not afraid of anybody now! Forgive me, Orthodox people! (Bows to the ground.)
(Silence.)
Officer. Bind him! Your wedding is evidently broken up. (People come up with their belts.)
Nikíta. Wait awhile, you will have time enough. (Bowing to the ground before his father.) Father dear! Forgive me, sinful man! You told me, when I first started on this life of debauch: "When the claw is caught, the whole bird is lost," but I, dog, did not pay any attention to you, and so everything turned out as you said. Forgive me, for Christ's sake!
Akím (in transport). God will forgive you, my own child! (Embraces him.) You did not pity yourself, but He will. God is the main thing, God!
Scene III. The same and the Elder.
Elder (enter). We have a posse here. Officer. We will hold the inquest at once. (Nikita is being bound.)
Akulína (walking up and standing near him.) I will tell the truth! Ask me, too!
Nikíta (bound). There is nothing to ask. I have done it all myself. It was my plan, and my deed. Lead me where I belong! I sha'n't say another word!
Curtain.
