The Three Hermits by Leo Tolstoy
A bishop was sailing from the city of Arkhangelsk to the Solovetsky Islands. On the same vessel there were pilgrims sailing to visit the holy shrines. The wind was favorable, the weather fair, the sea smooth. The pilgrims--some were lying down, some having a bite to eat, some sitting in groups-were talking to each other. The Bishop, too, came out on deck, began to pace the bridge. The approached the bow, saw a group of people gathered together. A peasant was pointing out something in the saw and speaking, and the people were Listening. The Bishop stopped, looked where the peasant was pointing; there was nothing to be seen, only the sea gleaming in the sun. The Bishop came Closer, and began to listen. The peasant saw the Bishop, took off his cap and fell silent. The people also saw the Bishop, also took off their caps, and paid their respects.
"Don't mind me, friends," said the Bishop. "I have also come to hear what you, good man, are telling them."
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