The following version of this story was used to create this study guide: Tolstoy, Leo. “God Sees the Truth, But Waits.” Twenty-Three Tales. New York: Cosimo, Inc., 2007.

The story follows a Russian merchant named Ivan Dmitrich Aksionov. He has a wife and multiple young children. He used to drink alcohol often, but now he only does so occasionally. One day, he prepares to travel to a fair to sell his wares. His wife says that she is worried, as she had a nightmare in which Aksionov returned home with grey hair. Aksionov dismisses the dream and departs.

On his way to the fair, he encounters a fellow merchant. At nightfall, they rent adjoining rooms at an inn. The next day, police arrest Aksionov, as someone murdered the other merchant during the night and stole the merchant’s money. The police find a bloody knife in Aksionov’s bag and arrest him. Aksionov is distraught that no one—not even his wife—believes his innocence. He is sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a prison labor camp in Siberia.

He turns to religion for solace, and over the years, he becomes respected by the guards and the prisoners. Twenty-six years after his arrest, a new prisoner named Makar Semyonich arrives. Aksionov soon deduces that Semyonich was the one who actually murdered the merchant and framed Aksionov. One night, Aksionov discovers Semyonich digging an escape tunnel. Guards later discover the tunnel and ask the prisoners to tell them who dug it. Aksionov decides not to tell the guards anything, as Semyonich would likely be executed.

Semyonich, moved by Aksionov’s actions, confesses to Aksionov that Semyonich was the one who killed the merchant and framed Aksionov. Semyonich begs for Aksionov’s forgiveness and tells the authorities the truth of Aksionov’s innocence. Aksionov dies shortly before the authorities order him to be released. In Aksionov’s final moments, he feels a sense of serenity and spiritual fulfillment.