In Russia, the pleyt is a terrible form of punishment, which is still, I believe, administered in rare instances in Siberia. It is not ten years ago that a woman was flogged to death in Siberia.

Stefania Chlouveraki, the project leader, stands at a long sorting table. She turns the colored fragments over and over in her fingertips. She fits each one into its place: a magnificent tableau of lions, crosses, pomegranate trees.

The pitchman swept his cane in a slow acceleration over the heads of the crowd and then suddenly pointed the silver cap toward Billy and the shill.

Wine — the so-called 'red infuriator' — was imported in large quantities and distributed from London throughout the provinces.