competition, an aerial appeared above every house. The ever-proud parents, Ombai and Dombai, who would talk everywhere about their modest means, were among the first to buy colour televisions. Yesirkep was beginning to come into his own. He no longer agreed to everyone’s invitations to visit, and if he did go to a dastarkhan, it was only for a short time, as befits a respectable, busy leader. But then the youngest daughter of the head of MTM suddenly married the eldest son of the current director, and Yesirkep had to participate in the celebration. Hearing a respectful ‘Es-aga’ from all sides, Yesirkep suddenly reported loudly: ‘I fought two wolves as a child and skinned them both…’ It went very quiet. ‘You must have had a gun,’ someone suggested politely. But at these words Yesirkep started up like a diesel. ‘What rubbish! I was unarmed. These hands and nothing else!’ Yesirkep showed the villagers his hands. ‘I don’t believe you,’ said a daring young man, thoroughly warmed up by the feast. ‘How could you, when even Tashkenbai sitting in front of you was armed to the teeth, but he still ran without a backward glance from a single wolf…’ Yesirkep exploded. ‘What’s that got to do with anything? He is Tashkenbai and I am Yesirkep!’ he shouted, trying to remember whether or not the man’s house had paid for its electricity. An argument broke out. The feast was divided into two camps, some taking the lad’s side, some of them with Yesirkep. ‘Let’s go and see which of you is tougher!’ the young man teased. ‘When you were a child you skinned two wolves. And Tashkenbai ran away from one. Now let’s go and see who’s braver now. Tasheke, are you ready?’ ‘I’m ready!’ Tashkenbai shouted fiercely. His mood did not please Yesirkep, but realising that he could no longer be silent, he declared that he was as ready as he had ever been. The wife knew her husband. Fearing that Yesirkep was likely to embarrass himself, she chose a moment to whisper to him: ‘Come on now… It’s embarrassing in front of the principal…’ ‘Why should I stop?’ raged Yesirkep. ‘Even if Al- lah himself is present, Yesirkep knows the value of his honour. Hey, who wants to come out? Let’s go!’ The fight would take place at the mare’s stall under the canopy. The lights had not yet been