Beasts in Cassocks: The Crimes of the Heads of the Russian Greek Catholic Orthodox Church in America

Front matter

Copyright 1924

By

Rev. John F. Dudikoff

Principal Persons Found in John F. Dudikoff's Narrative

PATHER AND MADAM KOKHANNIK, Russian Clergyman and his Wife; the part of the latter similar to that played by Madam Snegirev, with an occasional theft in addition.

YURI BAKHMETYEV, last Russian Ambassador to America under the late Czar's Government.

VICTOR HARTZ, Attorney for Russian Consulate in New York, Spy and Informer.

GREGORY KUNASHEVSKY, Spy and Informer.

NICHOLAS II, late Czar of All the Russias.

ANGELINA, Mother Superior of Staro-Cherkask Convent, Territory of Don, Russia; whose late husband, a political offender, was executed at the instigation of Platon, who subsequently seduced the widow.

MENDEL BIEILISS, Jewish Martyr and Victim of Blood Accusation, in which Bishop Platon had a hand: at present in New York.

VERA CHEBERIAK, convicted murderess and confederate of Platon in the Beiliss affair.

SILBERMAN, Russian Government Hangman and Co-Conspirator with Platon.

PATRIARCH TIKHON, Head of the Russian Church since the overthrow of the Czar.

HETMAN SKOROPADSKY, Head of Provisional Ukrainian Government, after the Peace Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.

MADAM MARIA MICHILOVNA DUDIKOFF, Wife of John F. Dudikoff; at present in this country.

THEIR TWO BABIES, assassinated in Kiev by the Hetman's soldiers.

BEZSMERTNY, Communist whose advice saved Dudikoff from death at the hands of the Extraordinary Commission.

FATHER VLADIMIR RICHLOV, Priest and Agent-Provocateur, who fraudulently obtained Dudikoft's "Confession."

BORIS BAKHMETYEV, the Russian Provisional Government's (Kerensky's) Ambassador to the United States.

GENERAL SEMIONOV, notorious bandit chief, who was imprisoned in the Ludlow Street Jail on his arrival in America a few months ago.

FATHER VASSILI PTASHCHUK, Russian Clergyman who has witnessed the fraud perpetuated on Dudikoff by Richlov.

V. V. BUIMISTROV, Head of the Russian Church Relief in America.

ALEXANDER CHICHILA, Spy and Provocateur.

BISHOP DZUBAI and BISHOP FILLIPOVSKY, Heads of a Russian Church Faction in America pretending to be at odds with Platon's clique.

SAUL WOLF, Saloon-keeper in Bayonne, N. J., at present under indictment for false testimony against Dudikoff.

ILYODOR (SERGIUS TRUFANOV) the notrious "Mad Monk."

VALERIAN GRAVES, Platon's Attorney.

JOSEPH PODLESNY, Notary Public on East 9th Street.

Chapter I: My Confession

MY CONFESSION

By FATHER JOHN F. DUDIKOFF

CHAPTER I.

The clergy are puzzled and are seeking the cause for the people's ever-growing rebellion against priests and the Church.

From childhood on we were taught reverence for priests and the Church rites and sacraments. We were told that in order to reconcile our souls with ourselves, to purify the inner man in us, it was necessary to confess at least once a year, particularly before the Great Lent. We were told that at the confessional one could tell of his most secret sins and that the priest-confessor would rather die than betray what was confided to him at the confessional. We were also told that there was a Church canon, according to which a priest who betrayed the secrets of a confession would be prohibited from officiating at services, would be subject to public penance in a monastery, and would even be unfrocked. People, believing this, used to go to the confession to share with their spiritual Father the tormenting secrets of their hearts. This they did to obtain relief, to make peace with their souls.

At one time a rumor was circulated to the effect that a priest receiving a confession disclosing revolt against the Czar or against the Government, was under obligation to report this to the authorities. Little by little, the people grew cool to the confessional, and later on ceased "confessing" altogether. The priests, in order to compel people to come to confession, resorted to force. They summoned to their aid the police, the administration, etc. If a man did not come to confession for three years in succession, the Father or his deacon would come to him with threats. After that the police would be sent. The man would be dragged from one court to another, etc. All this used to take place in the "good" old, fortunately, never to return, time in Russia.

In America, our missionaries, in order to curry favor with the authorities, made it a point to find out, through the medium of the confessional, how much money one had, what his political views were, etc. In doing this, the "Authorities in Cowls" made such clever use of the information thus obtained that the money of the person confessed would be transferred to the bottomless pockets of the Platons and Alexanders, and those who confessed would be deported to Russia and, not infrequently, would land in prison or be dispatched ad patres outright.

It seemed that with the advent of the Russian Revolution this practice would become part of a horrible tradition. It seemed that particularly in free America, our missionaries would reform with the Czar's fall, that for the sake of purging their consciences, for the sake of cleansing the Church and its rites which they themselves had polluted, they would begin to lead honest lives and would cease to make use of the sacraments and rites of the Church exclusively for their own personal ends and those of their superiors. The Fathers, however, seem to have sunk in this routine like drunkards in drunkenness, and cannot possibly mend their ways. Their present mode of life has penetrated into their blood and will surely be transmitted to the tenth, if not the twentieth, generation. As an illustration, I will cite what happened to me.

Early in May, 1914, having ferretted out that I had in my possession a little money which I had earned by hard labor, Archbishop Platon, who is now calling himsef the Metropolitan of Edessa, sent to me his right hand, Archpresbyter John Slunin, asking and imploring me to deposit my money for safe-keeping at the Mission Bank, located at the Consistory at East 97th Street, New York. Father Slunin assured me that at the Mission Bank my money would be safer than in any other bank, that I would be given a receipt with a guarantee that the money, with interest accrued, would be returned to me on demand, even though I should call for it at, say, one o'clock at night. Having taken the word of the spiritual Father who was supposed to be preaching against gain, against the appropriation of another's property, about the tortures which await one for theft and deceit, etc., etc., I brought my savings to the East 97th Street Consistory, and in the presence of Brother Boris Sochko, deposited for safe-keeping $2,800.00 and gave $5,000.00 for twenty shares of the Oil Field Company, which has its oil wells between the Caspian and the Azov Seas. The par value of these shares is $42,000. The entire sum, $7,800.00 was handed to Archpresbyter John Slunin, secretary to Archbishop Platon, in the presence of Platon himself. The latter who witnessed the money being counted out, told me that he, the "Saintly Prelate," himself, vouched for its return, with his head, conscience and the salvation of his "turbulent" soul.

I had $300.00 left with me. Father Slunin and Father Chepelev, his assistant, invited me, in token of gratitude for having done the will of His Grace, the Archbishop, Father Platon, to have dinner with champagne, etc., etc., at one of the most expensive New York restaurants. But—I, myself, had to pay for the dinner because when the bill was handed to us both Fathers, after a vain search through their pockets, declared that they had forgotten to take along money. After this dinner, I landed at the Bellevue Hospital where I spent a very long time. On my discharge from the hospital I went to the Consistory on East 97th Street to get my receipt, guarantee, etc., etc., as I was promised. Imagine my astonishment and anger, when I was told in reply to my demand that Archbishop Platon and Archpresbyter Slunin, his right hand, had disappeared, no one knew where. I went to Archpresbyter, Father Peter Kokhannik, for advice, but he told me he could not give me any counsel. …

I then left in quest of "His Grace" Archbishop Platon and of Archpresbyter John Slunin. I found both in Russia, in all their glory and greatness. I am not going to tell in detail here how I had repeatedly made my lawful demand for the repayment of my money. It will make very interesting reading and I will describe it another time. I will only say that in September, 1918, I made my demand to Platon at the Moscow Church Conclave and had witnesses in the person of Metropolitan Benjamin of Petrograd, the Bishops Constantine, Mitrophan and many others; and also in the apartment of Patriarch Tikhon. Platon promised me in the Patriarch's presence to pay me everything, to a cent, "to-morrow." When I came to see Platon "to-morrow," it turned out that he had vanished like smoke. "God's servant" was no longer in Moscow.

Upon inquiry, I learned that the Archbishop escaped by express train to Kiev. I could do nothing else but go after him. I did find Platon in Kiev. but the preacher of Kingdom Come had prepared such a trap for me that I shall not forget it to my dying day. Platon turned out to be an intimate friend and confidential daviser of the creature of the Germans, Hetman Skoropadsky who, in consideration of "special services" which Platon had rendered him during his negotiations with the Germans, promised him the Patriarchate of Kiev and of all of Little and Great Ukraine. At the instigation of the Archbishop and at the order of the Autocrat Hetman Skoropadsky and the "saintly Pre- late" Platon, I was arrested and thrown into jail, where I was subjected to the most horrible tortures. My poor, unfortunate babies (one an infant of two and one-half years and the other one and one-half years) were hacked up by Haidamaks (Ukrainian soldiers). Thus the "saintly" Platon deprived me not only of my money, but of my children as well.

After my imprisonment caused by Platon and Skoropadsky, I found Prelate Platon in this country in the very Consistory on East 97th Street where I had given him and Father Slunin, as heads of the institution, my savings. I came here with the sole object of getting back my deposit.

Early in November, 1921, I called at the Consistory where I found not Platon but another "Saintly Prelate" who, as is known, dislikes roast beef, but is very fond of flesh, particularly if it belongs to the female sex, and who also is not averse to males whom he can use for purposes of his own, This was none other than Bishop Alexander. Having heard me out, he told me to hand in a petition regarding the matter. When I did as ordered, he became infuriated and exclaimed "If you again dare to demand money of the Archbishop, I will have you arrested as a Bolshevik and deported to Russia."

Right there, in the Consistory, some "friends" gave me the following advice: "The well-known people's priest, Vladimir Richloy, lives in New York, on Madison Street. He is in the employ of Alexander and the Consistory. Get in touch with him, because he is a great favorite both with Alexander and with Platon himself. V. V. Buimistrov himself has the greatest reverence for him. Why, he was able to secure Buimistrov's promise to give him, as a gift, money for the purchase of the house which he, Father Vladimir, leased. This man can do anything for you, and you will get your money back to a cent."

I found Father V. Richlov at the address given me at the Consistory. In the presence of the Priest Father Vassily Ptashchuk, I tole Father Vladimir all about my trials and tribulations. Father Vladimir pretended to evince as much interest in me as my father or mother would have. He promised to aid me in everything, and showed me, in order to substantiate his claim, Platon's and Alexander's cards addressed to him. He also showed me papers in which he was addressed as "Bishop."

A couple of days later Father V. Richlov said to me: "You will get your money to a cent, but on one condition." I inquired about the condition. Richlov answered, "You see,—Metropolitan Platon has been appointed Patriarch of all Russia. As Patriarch he must be completely exonerated of all charges against him. Since both the clergy and laymen in Russia know about your affair, you must clear Platon of your accusations. In order to do that, you must copy and sign this written confession." At first T was stupefied, and then I asked Father Richlov: "Why, does the Greek-Orthodox Church permit such written confessions?" Richlov said: "Not only are written confessions permissible here in America, but at present they are required. It you don't sign this confession, you may bid farewell to your money as well as to all hope for my assistance."

Father Richlov handed me a rough draft of the "written confession" which I have preserved among my papers as documentary evidence. It was in the handwriting of Father Richlov himself and read as follows:

"Your Right Eminence, Bishop and Metropolitan Platon! Merciful Archpriest and Father! I herewith confess, as before the Lord God Himself and before your Eminence, that I have been guilty before you: 1) I confess in writing that I have never given you any money; 2) That I have insulted you in vain with my letters and personal calls in Russia and America. I attest that both you and I were dupes of unscrupulous men; 3) I entreat you on my bended knees to forgive me. I have suffered a nervous breakdown from the horrors of the Revolution. Bless me with your Holy Evangel, and may I learn to be humble and patient. Pardon me, the sinful and unworthy one, and I swear that to my dying day, I shall never make any more demands on you. Please pray with your holy orisons for me. Your Spiritual Son,

(Signed) "

When I read through the "confession:" I was spellbound. FatherRichlov, seeing that I was at a loss, remarked: "If you don't sign this before a notary, not only will your money be withheld, but we will arrest and deport you to Russia, leaving your wife here as a hostage, or else …" Here Richlov took a card from his pocket and shoved it under my very nose. On the card I saw the following symbols: a skull, a revolver and, between them, a bomb. I stared at Father Richlov, and he added threateningly: "If you don't care to make a closer acquaintance with these, do as you are told."

I was in dire need at the time, especially since my wife was about to go to a lying-in hospital. I was without work, without money, with- out shelter. However, I did not get frightened at Richlov's threats. I had been in Russia during the war. Nevertheless, I was in a strange land, and did not know what to do. Father Richlov, seeing my hesitation, assumed a different tone. He swore, making the sign of the cross thrice, that he would not give my "Confession" to anyone until he should have received the cash in full, that he would not let anyone harm me, and that should Platon and Alexander refuse to return my money, he, Richlov, would appear in Court as a witness in my favor.

This latter promise of his produced its effect on me and, believing Father Richlov was telling the truth, I took the rough draft, copied and signed it before a notary and gave it to Father Richlov.

The next day I went with Father Richlov to get the money. Father Richlov told me to wait on Fifth Avenue and 97th Street, and himself went to the "Holy" Fathers. In a few minutes he came back and gave me a little book, saying: "The Metropolitan cannot receive you now. He is busy with General Semionov and Ambassador Bakhmetyev, but he sends you his blessings and this Holy Book of the Gospels." I took the book, opened it, and not finding any money in it, asked Richlov for it. He went back, and in about fifteen minutes brought me $200.00, which he handed me in an ice cream parlor on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 6th Street. He kept $20.00 "for his trouble" and assured me that he had not obtained all the money to-day for the sole reason that the Metropolitan was busy with Semionov, and that to-morrow the Metropolitan would give the rest of the money. "To-morrow," Father Richlov continued, "Platon is to get One Million Dollars from Bakhmetyev, and you will get all your money, both the sum you left for safe-keeping and the money you paid for the shares." But this "to-morrow" has lasted until this very day. And besides, Father Richlov continually threatens me, in Platon's name, with imprisonment in this country and deportation to Russia, and also adds: "Your confession is in the hands of Metropolitan Platon, and if you dare as much as utter a word about your money, you will land where no one will be able to find you. As for your money—you will never get it until your dying day."

I, John, son of Feoktist, Dudikoff, was born in the city of Moghilev, in the Government of Kamenetz-Podolsk, on March 30, 1887. My father, Feoktist Andreyevitch Dudikoff, was in the Holy Synod service, with the rank of Privy Councilor. He resigned from his post in 1911, after the assassination of Premier Stolypin and became manager of the estates of Prince Obolensky and Count Rad- ziwil, which position he held until his death at the hand of bandits during the revolution.

I received my education at the Theological Seminary of the same city where, in 1909, I completed the full course of study. After

John F. Dudikoff and His Wife, Mary M. Dudikoff, By Birth Bogdanoff, Before Their Arrival in America.

graduation from the Seminary, I was appointed as teacher in the Teachers' Parochial High School for Males in the village of Vidrinka, District of Cherikov, Government of Moghiley. Here I taught until 1912. In August, 1912, I was appointed principal of the Teachers' Parochial High School in Pustinka, District of Mstislav, Government of Moghilev (at present that of Smolensk). I could not get on with Father Vassily Vostorgov, Superintendent of Parochial Schools in the districts of Mstislav and Cherikov, and therefore left my position two months later.

Chapter II: I Come to America

CHAPTER II.

I Come to America

Having obtained letters of introduction to Platon, Greek-Orthodox Bishop of North America, from Stefan, Archbishop of Moghi-

Father J. Slunin, Archpresbyter

lev; Flavian, the Metropolitan of Kiev, and from Ivan Ivanoyitch Barnatny, Government Supervisor of Schools, I left, in June, 1913, for America. I was one of the forty-eight members of the so-called Moscow Excursion, consisting of educators, lawyers and men of other learned professions who came here to make a study of this country. Among the most well known members of the "Excursion" were Professor Lapinsky of St. Vladimir University of Kiev, Professor Maximeiko of the University of Kharkov, Professor Yurchik of the University of Kazan, and others. We sailed from the port of Libau, and arrived in New York on July 4th.

On July 5th, 1913, two Russian clergymen came to meet me on board of our steamer "Czar." They had been informed by those who had given me the letters to Archbishop Platon, that I had left

Father John Dudikoff

for America. These two clergymen, Father John Chepelev and Father John Slunin, took me off the boat and escorted me to the Russian Ecclesiastical Consistory. They introduced me to His Eminence the Rt. Rev. Archbishop Platon. The Archbishop read my three letters of introduction in my presence, gave me his blessing, and told Father John Slunin, who was connected with the Consistory, to find an apartment for me.

Chapter III: I Undergo a "Rehearsal"

CHAPTER III.

I Undergo a "Rehearsal"

The priest (Archpresbyter) Father Slunin, took me to Ivan Timofeyewitch Gorokhoy, leader of the Cathedral Choir. He there asked me whether I had any means of subsistence. I, not knowing Father Slunin well, did not tell him about all my funds. I merely

Father Chepelev

said that the little money I had would do me for the time being. Father Slunin then said to me: "You must be quite tired after your journey, therefore you had better rest for a few days."

Four days later Father Slunin called on me and said: "Well, now that you have rested let's go to the Consistory." I went together with him to 15 East 97th Street, where I again met Archbishop Platon. He gave me his blessings, invited me to his apartments and began to quiz me about Russia, about the health of the church dignitaries we knew in common, about myself, etc., etc. After that, having learned about me from my documents and letters of introduction (which among other things contained a request to find me some work in the Diocese), Archbishop Platon said to me: "Before I find a position for you, you will have to be put on probation. Besides," he added, "you must, without fail confess before Archpresbyter, Father Slunin."

Ivan Timofeyevitch Gorokhov

On my leaving Platon's apartments, I was called into another room where Mr. Gorokhov gave me a test in academic subjects. After the test, Mr. Gorokhov went to the Archbishop's apartments, and on returning told me that I needed a few rehearsals in chanting and singing. This, despite the fact that my Seminary diploma indicated that I had the highest mark in those subjects, and that I did not make a single error in the test Mr. Gorokhov gave me. After this the "rehearsals" began and lasted almost until September. However, nothing was mentioned during these "rehearsals" about Church music or Church reguations.

Chapter IV: Orgies Marked As "Rehearsals"

Archbishop Nemolovsky's Engagement Party

CHAPTER IV.

Orgies Masked As "Rehaersals"

During this time I had been to confession at which Father Slunin, who was recommended to me by Archbishop Platon himself, succeeded in drawing me out as to the actual amount of money I had. As for the "rehearsals", this is what they consisted of: Every evening, after business hours, the "Holy Fathers" would come together for an entirely different kind of "Business." There was no paper, no pen, and no ink on the tables, but a sumptuous repast and choice drinks and refreshments, instead. At these "sessions" there were also women, among them wives and daughters of the clergy, as well as "invited guests," but everyone of them young and beautiful.

It is true that during these "sessions" singing "rehearsals" took place—all kinds of songs were sung, among them some very obscene ones both in English and in Russian. Very often these "conferences" kept the conferees "busy" until the wee hours of the morning. During these religious "revivals" the sex problem was readily

Archbishop Platon Roshdestwensky, Following the Steps of Archbishop Nemolevsky

solved. The participants were all completely naked—after the fashion common in the Garden of Eden. They were sitting in one of two ways: either a "Father" had a nude Eve on his naked lap, or a "Father" sat on the knees of one of the women, in a posture which made it convenient for him to suck her breasts. On the table, instead

The Beginnings of the Holy Fathers' Feasts

The Holy Fathers Are Taking Their First Liberties

of the Law Code or Church Regulations, lay an album in a de luxe binding, with pictures of a pornographic nature which, apparently for the sake of exciting carnal passion, were perused by the men and women together. This de luxe album was kept in an equally de luxe case and I saw it many a time in the "saintly" Prelate's apartment. More than once I had to bring it to him locked in the case.

It was during this time that Vsevolod Fedorovitch Shcheglovitov, who was a son of Princess Alexandra Fedorovna Obolensky, by her first husband, and who pretended also to be Prince Obolensky, was a frequent visitor at Platon’s home. This yuong man very often went with the Archbishop to disorderly resorts or took prostitutes to the Waldorf Astoria or to Little Hungary, on East Houston Street. I personally succeeded in tracing them to these places. Owing to his recklessness, this wealthy young man went into bankruptcy and the major part of his money found its way into the pockets of the "saintly" Prelate Platon. Mr. Obolensky (Shcheglovitov) himself, whom I had known in Russia, complained to me about the matter.

Chapter V: Platon Takes My Money For "Safe-Keeping"

CHAPTER V.

Platon Takes My Money For "Safe-Keeping"

The first few days of my probation were over. I was summoned to the "saintly" Prelate who asked me: "Aren't you afraid to carry your money about with you?" I replied that I was indeed afraid at times. The Archbishop then replied: "We are beginning to think quite well of you. I have in my service a very loyal man, whom I entrust with the most confidential matters; he needs an assistant, and I think, after I know you better, I will appoint you confidential Inspector General to work under him. I will have you meet him as soon as he comes. And now, let me give you my fatherly advice: keep some money for current expenses, and let me have the rest for safe-keeping. You have a considerable sum of money on you and if you are robbed, whom will you hold responsible? Why, you will lay the blame at my door because I am the representative and spiritual Father and guardian of the Russians in America."

I was some what surprised to learn that what I had told the priest at the confessional became known to Platon, but trusting him as an Archbishop of the Russian Church, I gave him the money and asked him to keep it until I should ask for it.

When I met Father Slunin the next day he remarked: "Do you know, Ivan Feoktistovitch, his Eminence, the Archbishop, is beginning to have faith in you and is planning to reward the confidence you showed in him by giving him your money for safe-keeping. He intends to appoint you in a few days to a very good and very responsible position. An oath, however, will be required of you never

Practicing the 10th Commandment

to reveal anything of what you may see or hear, even though you may be subjected to the most excruciating tortures."

I thanked the Father for the good news but did not mention what Platon had told me. The next day Father Slunin, who had missed the "business session" with the fair sex held the previous night, chanced upon me and asked me sotto voce to tell him what had taken place. True to my vow, I answered: "Father Archpresbyter, pardon me, but since you were absent I have no right to tell you, without the permission of those present. Keep in mind that I do not participate in the sessions; I only wait on the members."

Father Slunin slapped me on the shoulder in sign of approval, saying: "Yes, we have made no mistake in recommending you to both the Bishop and the Archbishop as a man who knows how to hold his tongue. You'll do splendidly. One meets such men very seldom, and one is never sorry to meet them. Don't fail to call on their Eminences to-night."

Chapter VI: I Meet The "Archangel"

CHAPTER VI.

I Meet The "Archangel"

When I came that evening to Archbishop Platon's apartment, I found there, besides the Vicarial Bishop Alexander Nemoloysky, another "gentleman" in frock coat, white vest and white tie. After Archbishop Platon, and Bishop Alexander had given me their blessing, Platon introduced to me the "gentleman" in the frock coat, saying: "This is our most beloved, loyal and worthy Inspector General and editor of our newspaper, Mr. Gabriel 'Archangel' Dobroff. And this," turning to the gentleman in the frock coat and white tie, "is Ivan Feoktistovitch Dudikoff, who is at present with us on probation and about whom, my dear Sir, I have already spoken to you. Make friends with him."

Both Archbishop Platon and Bishop Alexander were in very good humor, and asked me to make myself at home. Taking a good look at Dobroff, I recalled having seen him more than once at the "sessions", after which he often helped me to escort home on foot (if the "session" was held not far from the Consistory) or place intp closed cars and send home those who could not take care of themselves. … But neither Dobroff nor I made any sign of recognition. True, at the "session" there was a great difference in our relative positions: Dobroff, like the "Fathers" and their intimate friends, sat in an armchair, while I, standing in the doorway of the "meeting" room, entered only when summoned. I took orders which I con to the waiter and having served whatever the latter brought, returned to my post at the door.

In spite of such a difference in position—Dobroff being an Inspector General to the two "saintly" Prelates, and I only on probation,—he shook my hand very warmly and said: "I am very, very glad and happy to meet a man after my own heart in a strange country." This was followed by jokes and hints thrown in apparently to make it impossible for me to understand everything, but I caught several of the innuendoes. Thus I understood, when Archbishop Platon told Dobroff that he envies Bishop Alexander, who had such a "gay time last night amongst young chickens," that Alexander had spent the night with prostitutes. Platon felt that he was entitled to a greater share of that type of entertainment than Bishop Alexander because of his higher rank—moreover he was growing older and could not waste any time.

A few minutes later Archbishop Platon said to me: "I appoint you Inspector General, under the supervision of Mr. Dobroff. You must take orders from him as you would from me. To begin with, see Archpresbyter Ivan Ivanovitch (Slunin). And now, my darling Feoktistich, I know you are tired, and besides, our old men's talk probably bores you. … Well, sleep peacefully."