Pagina 379 de 3800

Lavrushka turned all the bedding over, looked under the bed and

under the table, searched everywhere, and stood still in the

middle of the room. Denisov silently watched Lavrushka's

movements, and when the latter threw up his arms in surprise

saying it was nowhere to be found Denisov glanced at Rostov.

"Wostov, you've not been playing schoolboy twicks..."

Rostov felt Denisov's gaze fixed on him, raised his eyes, and

instantly dropped them again. All the blood which had seemed

congested somewhere below his throat rushed to his face and eyes.

He could not draw breath.

"And there hasn't been anyone in the room except the lieutenant

and yourselves. It must be here somewhere," said Lavrushka.

"Now then, you devil's puppet, look alive and hunt for it!"

shouted Denisov, suddenly, turning purple and rushing at the man

with a threatening gesture. "If the purse isn't found I'll flog

you, I'll flog you all."