Forged Coupon: A story about how a small evil gives birth to a big one

An edition from the "Golden Tattoo" series. Printed in 12pt type with wide line spacing for maximum readability. Unabridged. Modern translation.

A schoolboy named Mitya forges a bond coupon, changing 2.50 rubles into 12.50, and spends it at a shop. This minor fraud triggers a devastating chain reaction: the cheated shopkeeper frames an innocent peasant, leading to a wave of thefts, bitterness, and a series of brutal murders.

However, in the second part of the story, the process reverses when one of the most terrifying criminals, Stepan Pelageyushkin, suddenly repents under the influence of his victim's kindness. His spiritual rebirth starts a new chain - this time of good deeds and forgiveness - which eventually reaches all the participants, including Mitya himself.