The examination of the witnesses commenced: they were asked their

names, religion, etc. Then, after some consultation as to whether

the witnesses were to be sworn in or not, the old priest came in

again, dragging his legs with difficulty, and, again arranging

the golden cross on his breast, swore the witnesses and the

expert in the same quiet manner, and with the same assurance that

he was doing something useful and important.

The witnesses having been sworn, all but Kitaeva, the keeper of