"Good, indeed! Why, you fool, you never saw such leather before in your
life. It's German, and cost twenty roubles."
Simon was frightened, and said, "Where should I ever see leather like
that?"
"Just so! Now, can you make it into boots for me?"
"Yes, your Excellency, I can."
Then the gentleman shouted at him: "You can, can you? Well, remember
whom you are to make them for, and what the leather is. You must make me
boots that will wear for a year, neither losing shape nor coming unsown.
If you can do it, take the leather and cut it up; but if you can't, say
so. I warn you now if your boots become unsewn or lose shape within a
year, I will have you put in prison. If they don't burst or lose shape
for a year I will pay you ten roubles for your work."
Simon was frightened, and did not know what to say. He glanced at
Michael and nudging him with his elbow, whispered: "Shall I take the
work?"