When the land surveyor, Gleb Smirnov, arrives in the Gnilushka train station, he hires a peasant to take him to the estate that he must survey. The surveyor is afraid of being alone with Klim, the peasant, in the deserted countryside and to mask his fears Smirnov exaggerates his physical strength and says that he has three revolvers. Klim fears for his life and runs off into the forest, leaving the surveyor alone in the carriage. The surveyor calls for Klim for nearly two hours, and finally Klim returns. Smirnov assures Klim that there are no revolvers. This story shows how the reactions of one character, due to his fear, can lead to unexpected consequences and have a direct impact on the actions of the other character(s).  (Prentice Hall Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes, 2002)