_ XII
VASSILY was actually carrying out the object he bad in leaving the prison.
With the help of a few friends he broke into the house of the rich
merchant Krasnopuzov, whom he knew to be a miser and a debauchee.
Vassily took out of his writing-desk thirty thousand roubles,
and began disposing of them as he thought right. He even gave up drink,
so as not to spend that money on himself, but to distribute it to the poor;
helping poor girls to get married; paying off people's debts,
and doing this all without ever revealing himself to those he helped;
his only desire was to distribute his money in the right way.
As he also gave bribes to the police, he was left in peace for
a long time.
His heart was singing for joy. When at last he was arrested and put
to trial, he confessed with pride that he had robbed the fat merchant.
"The money," he said, "was lying idle in that fool's desk, and he did
not even know how much he had, whereas I have put it into circulation
and helped a lot of good people."
The counsel for the defence spoke with such good humour
and kindness that the jury felt inclined to discharge Vassily,
but sentenced him nevertheless to confinement in prison.
He thanked the jury, and assured them that he would find his
way out of prison before long. _