140 FORESTRY IN EASTERN RUSSIA. 



and economically; but this called forth, beyond the mention 

 of the fact, no commendation from the officer to whom the 

 accounts were delivered, who simply courteously desired 

 him to call next day. He did so, and was then desired to 

 see the head of the department in his room. He went, 

 anticipating a full meed of praise, but he was confounded 

 with a surly question, ' Are these your accounts, sir ; and 

 how have you dared to spend, or to say you have spent, 

 Imperial funds without due authority ?' All explanations 

 were in vain, calling forth fresh outbursts of passion. He 

 was kept for weeks making bootless calls at the office, 

 increasing what was to him a very iaconvenient expense 

 living in the capital. But there was no appearance of any 

 progress being made in getting his accounts passed; and 

 until these were passed he could not leave. At length 

 one of the officials pitying him, taking him aside asked, 

 ' What is the amount in dispute ?' ' One hundred and 

 twenty roubles (£12) for repairs for injuries sustained by 

 the goods in transit.' 



' This is apparently the first time you have come in 

 charge of the caravan ?' ' It is,' was the reply. 



' Then you must ask permission to give in a corrected 

 statement of your outlay ; and I will aid you in the pre- 

 paration of this.' The application was made ; and the 

 permission was granted. 



' Now,' said his informant, ' You must state the whole 

 outlay on the journey, and this very differently. You 

 must increase the charge under every head a hundredfold, 

 and add under each charge as a separate item " incidental 

 expenses" to a corresponding account.' It is the old 

 story of the unjust steward. ' How much owest thou ? — 

 an hundred measures of oil.' ' Take thy bill and sit down 

 quickly, and write fifty.' . . ' And how much owest thou ? 

 And he said, ' an hundred measures of wheat.' And he 

 said unto him, ' Take thy bill and write fourscore ' 



But here, the case being different, the process is re- 

 versed ; and by this means 5000 roubles were added to the 

 account. ' Now,' said the adviser, ' that will do.' The 



