He returned alone five days later for
provisions. It was midday when he arrived, and everyone was resting
after dinner. It was unbearably hot. The sand burned his feet and the
shells and fish bones pricked them. As Iakov carefully picked his way
along the beach he regretted he had no boots on. He did not want to
return to the bark as he was in a hurry to eat and to see Malva. Many a
time had he thought of her during the long lonely hours on the sea. He
wondered if she and his father had seen each other again and what they
had said. Perhaps the old man had beaten her.
The deserted fisheries were slumbering, as if overcome by the heat. In
the inspector's office a child was crying. From behind a heap of
barrels came the sound of voices.
Iakov turned his steps in that direction. He thought he recognised
Malva's voice, but when he arrived at the barrels he recoiled a step and
stopped.
In the shade, lying on his back, with his arms under his head, was
Serejka. Near him were, on one side, Vassili and, on the other, Malva.
Iakov thought to himself: "Why is father here. Has he left his post so
as to be nearer Malva and to watch her? Should he go up to them or not.
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