Sergei Meets the Beggar
Sergei meets a beggar who wants him to take pity on him. His name is Lushkoff and he tells him that he was a schoolteacher in a village.
He further adds that he is jobless since a year now and although he has got a job offer in a different province, he does not have money to go there.
Sergei Recognises the Beggar
When Sergei looks at him closely he remembers that he had met him at a different street two days ago.
The beggar was posing as a student then. The beggar (Lushkoft) denies that it was not him but Sergei tells him that he is a cheat and threatens to call the police. Lushkoff then admits that it was him and says that he has to tell lies so that people take pity on him and give money or things to him.
Sergei Takes him to his House
Sergei takes him to his house and gives him the job of chopping wood. Though Lushkoff is not willing to work, he agrees to do the work. He is called first day of every month to chop wood and is given half a Rouble.
However, he starts coming at Sergei's house regularly and whenever he comes, some work is assigned to him. All his work is done by Olga (the cook at Sergei's house) as she feels pity on his miserable condition.
However, she does not tell this to Sergei. Lushkoff is happy to get paid without doing any work.
The Beggar Goes to Work for Sergei's Friend
Sergei is happy to see Lushkoff coming regularly at his home. He thinks that he is working and asks him to go to his friend's place where he can get a writing job. He is pleased at having put Lushkoff on the right path and gives him a letter that needs to be handed to his friend. Lushkoff agrees and goes there.
Sergei and Lushkoff Meet After Two Years
Sergei and Lushkoff meet after two years at a theatre. Sergei asks about him and he tells that he has become a Notary now and is paid 35 roubles per month. Sergei is happy to know that and takes the credit for changing his life.
However, Lushkoff thanks him for his help and tells the truth. He says that Olga is responsible for his change as she used to do all the work assigned to him. Her unconditional help and concern for him made him change his ways. Lushkoff then takes a leave from Sergei as the show was about to start.
Conclusion of The Beggar
The chapter - The Beggar teaches students that if one has the will to work hard and reach a goal, with dedication and will power one can achieve success in life.