"You know, Boris," began Butackov, who remained looking out the porthole, "those damned peasants have a lot to answer for. They riot and protest constantly, they're never satisfied, and the good people of Russia have given them so much. We gave them land, and for what? What does Russia get in return? Protests! Farms are not producing food and the peasants want more, always more. They are ungrateful and greedy. If it weren't for the peasants and their damned protests, we wouldn't even be here, and you and I would be enjoying the Baltic Ocean and the fine generous women of Saint Petersburg."
"You've been upsetting Nevsky again, haven't you?" Boris replied, "He really is a good man, you know, a fine 2nd officer and a good son of Russia."
Butackov grunted and turned, leaving the porthole a
