The Gunmaker of Moscow, Novel

In the department of the Sloboda – the suburbs of Moscow – and very near the river Moskwa, stood an humble cot, the exterior of which betrayed a neatness of arrangement and show of taste that more than made up for its smallness of size. Nor was it so very small in fact, but only in contrast; for near at hand about it stood many large, shabby, dirty-looking structures that overlooked the prim cot, as bleak mountains may look down upon a verdant hill. And within, this cot was as neat as without. The two apartments in front, one of which was only used in winter, were furnished not only with neatness, but with a fair show of ornament and luxury. Back of these were a large cooking and dining-room, and two small bed-rooms; and back still from these was an artisan’s shop, and other out-buildings. This shop was devoted to the manufacture of firearms, mostly. Some swords, and other edged weapons, were made, here upon special application...