In the time of one especially oppressive Czar, a peasant fell off the river bank into the water. Since he could not swim, he was in danger of drowning.
Two Czarist policemen heard cries for help and rushed to the river bank. When they saw that it was only a peasant, they shook their heads and began to walk off.
"Help, I can't swim," shouted the peasant.
"Then you'll probably drown," one replied.
Suddenly the man shouts with his last breath: "Down with the Czar!"
The policemen immediately rushed into the water and, at peril of their own lives, pulled the peasant onto the bank -- and arrested him for sedition.