According to Lushkoff, Olga used to scold him but then she grows sad and cries for him. She sheds tears for his sake. She expresses sympathy and kindness towards him. She used to chop the wood for Lushkoff. It is her words and kind deeds that inspires Lushkoff to change. Thus, Olga saves Lushkoff.

When Sergei sees the beggar, he remembers that he has met the beggar two days ago in Sadovya Street. He also remembers that he had called himself a student who had been exiled from the school. When Sergei noticed that the beggar was wearing different overshoes one high and the other low, it confirms his doubt.

The beggar does not work for Sergei because he is hungry or needs work. He agreed to work simply from pride and shame. He is also convincing Sergei of his innocence by following him. In this way, he avoids the police also. He has been trapped by his own words. That is why he agrees to work for Sergei.

The beggar does not wish to work. He prefers begging to working because it brings easy money. Besides, he knows no work nor has skills to do some work. Above all, his drinking habit also makes him unfit for work. Therefore, he does not wish to leave begging.