One of the 800 builders who had crossed the river from Osat was working in the neighborhood. As soon as Yagoda brought him over, the young Miss Nikolich asked him who was the greatest builder among the Johns. One is called John the Damascene, named after John of Damascus, who built in men's hearts. That is why he is called Damascene. The other is John the Ladder, named after the holy father who built ladders to the sky.
Damascene puts up the handsomest houses, while the other is best at erecting churches.
The following Wednesday, Yagoda brought both Johns to lunch at the Nikolich house. They were sat down in the dining-room and before them were put plates of 'cheeky paprika stew' and prunes that had been dried in pipe tobacco. The prunes smelled pleasantly of the tobacco. With the meal they were given a sealed bottle of absinthe wine from Fenek Monastery. They must both be finished on time.