They themselves looked either like a special kind of fish that had grown sparse, slick hair, or mangy birds with their feathers fallen out and their scales dirty.
Artiom was a little upset that they were ruining his good mood.
“Why are they doing that?” Osip asked, horrified. “Listen, we have to give them some sausage.” He grabbed Artiom by the sleeve. “These people are hungry and we have extra.”
“Sure, I’ll give them some right now,” Artiom said, ripping his sleeve out with unexpected anger. “Better give them your safety pin.”
“They don’t need a safety pin,” Osip persisted. “They’re hungry!”
“Go to the devil,” said Artiom and walked faster.
In a minute, Osip joined him.
He held his hand in the pocket where he had placed the safety pin.
“Did he really want to give it to them?” Arti
