Part 6

Chapter 5

24 min

Raskolnikov walked after him.

Raskolnikov followed him.

“What’s this?” cried Svidrigaïlov turning round, “I thought I said...”

“What’s this?” Svidrigaïlov cried, turning around. “I thought I said...”

“It means that I am not going to lose sight of you now.”

“It means I’m not going to let you out of my sight now.”

“What?”

Both stood still and gazed at one another, as though measuring their strength.

Both stood still and stared at each other, as if sizing up each other's strength.

“From all your half tipsy stories,” Raskolnikov observed harshly, “I am positive that you have not given up your designs on my sister, but are pursuing them more actively than ever. I have learnt that my sister received a letter this morning. You have hardly been able to sit still all this time.... You may have unearthed a wife on the way, but that means nothing. I should like to make certain myself.”

“From all your half-drunk stories,” Raskolnikov said harshly, “I am certain you haven't given up your intentions toward my sister. In fact, you're pursuing her more actively than ever. I've learned that my sister received a letter this morning. You've hardly been able to sit still all this time.... You may have found a wife along the way, but that means nothing. I'd like to make sure for myself.”

Raskolnikov could hardly have said himself what he wanted and of what he wished to make certain.

Raskolnikov himself could hardly have said what he wanted or what he wanted to be sure of.

“Upon my word! I’ll call the police!”

“Honestly! I’ll call the police!”

“Call away!”

“Go ahead and call!”

Again they stood for a minute facing each other. At last Svidrigaïlov’s face changed. Having satisfied himself that Raskolnikov was not frightened at his threat, he assumed a mirthful and friendly air.

Again, they stood facing each other for a minute. At last, Svidrigaïlov’s expression changed. Once he saw that Raskolnikov was not frightened by his threat, he put on a cheerful, friendly manner.

“What a fellow! I purposely refrained from referring to your affair, though I am devoured by curiosity. It’s a fantastic affair. I’ve put it off till another time, but you’re enough to rouse the dead.... Well, let us go, only I warn you beforehand I am only going home for a moment, to get some money; then I shall lock up the flat, take a cab and go to spend the evening at the Islands. Now, now are you going to follow me?”

“What a guy! I deliberately avoided mentioning your affair, though I’m dying of curiosity. It’s an incredible affair. I’ve put it off until another time, but you could wake the dead.... Well, let’s go. But I warn you, I’m only going home for a moment to get some money. Then I’ll lock up the apartment, take a cab, and spend the evening at the Islands. Now, are you going to follow me?”

“I’m coming to your lodgings, not to see you but Sofya Semyonovna, to say I’m sorry not to have been at the funeral.”

“I’m coming to your place to see Sofya Semyonovna, not you. I want to tell her I’m sorry I missed the funeral.”

“That’s as you like, but Sofya Semyonovna is not at home. She has taken the three children to an old lady of high rank, the patroness of some orphan asylums, whom I used to know years ago. I charmed the old lady by depositing a sum of money with her to provide for the three children of Katerina Ivanovna and subscribing to the institution as well. I told her too the story of Sofya Semyonovna in full detail, suppressing nothing. It produced an indescribable effect on her. That’s why Sofya Semyonovna has been invited to call to-day at the X. Hotel where the lady is staying for the time.”

“That’s up to you, but Sofya Semyonovna isn’t home. She has taken the three children to a distinguished elderly lady I knew years ago. The lady supports several orphanages. I won her over by giving her money to provide for Katerina Ivanovna’s three children. I also made a donation to the institution. I told her the whole story of Sofya Semyonovna, leaving nothing out. The story had an indescribable effect on her. That’s why she invited Sofya Semyonovna to visit her today at the X. Hotel, where she’s staying for now.”

“No matter, I’ll come all the same.”

“It doesn’t matter, I’ll come anyway.”

“As you like, it’s nothing to me, but I won’t come with you; here we are at home. By the way, I am convinced that you regard me with suspicion just because I have shown such delicacy and have not so far troubled you with questions... you understand? It struck you as extraordinary; I don’t mind betting it’s that. Well, it teaches one to show delicacy!”

“Do as you like. It’s nothing to me, but I won’t come with you. Here we are at home. By the way, I’m convinced you’re suspicious of me because I’ve been so tactful and haven’t asked you questions yet. You understand? You thought that was strange. I’d bet that’s the reason. Well, that teaches me to be tactful!”

“And to listen at doors!”

“Ah, that’s it, is it?” laughed Svidrigaïlov. “Yes, I should have been surprised if you had let that pass after all that has happened. Ha-ha! Though I did understand something of the pranks you had been up to and were telling Sofya Semyonovna about, what was the meaning of it? Perhaps I am quite behind the times and can’t understand. For goodness’ sake, explain it, my dear boy. Expound the latest theories!”

“Oh, so that’s it?” Svidrigaïlov laughed. “Yes, I’d have been surprised if you’d let that pass after everything that’s happened. Ha-ha! I understood something of the tricks you’d been up to and were telling Sofya Semyonovna about. But what did it all mean? Perhaps I’m completely behind the times and can’t understand. For goodness’ sake, explain it, my dear boy. Tell me about the latest theories!”

“You couldn’t have heard anything. You’re making it all up!”

“But I’m not talking about that (though I did hear something). No, I’m talking of the way you keep sighing and groaning now. The Schiller in you is in revolt every moment, and now you tell me not to listen at doors. If that’s how you feel, go and inform the police that you had this mischance: you made a little mistake in your theory. But if you are convinced that one mustn’t listen at doors, but one may murder old women at one’s pleasure, you’d better be off to America and make haste. Run, young man! There may still be time. I’m speaking sincerely. Haven’t you the money? I’ll give you the fare.”

“But that’s not what I’m talking about, though I did hear something. No, I’m talking about how you keep sighing and groaning now. The Schiller in you is constantly rebelling, and now you tell me not to listen at doors. If that’s how you feel, go tell the police about your misfortune. Tell them you made a little mistake in your theory. But perhaps you’re convinced that listening at doors is wrong, while murdering old women whenever you please is fine. If so, you’d better hurry off to America. Run, young man! There may still be time. I mean it. Don’t you have the money? I’ll give you the fare.”

“I’m not thinking of that at all,” Raskolnikov interrupted with disgust.

“I’m not thinking about that at all,” Raskolnikov interrupted with disgust.

“I understand (but don’t put yourself out, don’t discuss it if you don’t want to). I understand the questions you are worrying over—moral ones, aren’t they? Duties of citizen and man? Lay them all aside. They are nothing to you now, ha-ha! You’ll say you are still a man and a citizen. If so you ought not to have got into this coil. It’s no use taking up a job you are not fit for. Well, you’d better shoot yourself, or don’t you want to?”

“I understand. (But don’t trouble yourself. Don’t discuss it if you don’t want to.) I understand the questions you’re worrying about. They’re moral questions, aren’t they? Your duties as a citizen and a human being? Put them all aside. They mean nothing to you now, ha-ha! You’ll say you’re still a human being and a citizen. If so, you shouldn’t have gotten yourself into this mess. There’s no point taking on a job you’re not fit for. Well, you’d better shoot yourself. Or don’t you want to?”

“You seem trying to enrage me, to make me leave you.”

“You seem to be trying to make me angry so I'll leave you.”

“What a queer fellow! But here we are. Welcome to the staircase. You see, that’s the way to Sofya Semyonovna. Look, there is no one at home. Don’t you believe me? Ask Kapernaumov. She leaves the key with him. Here is Madame de Kapernaumov herself. Hey, what? She is rather deaf. Has she gone out? Where? Did you hear? She is not in and won’t be till late in the evening probably. Well, come to my room; you wanted to come and see me, didn’t you? Here we are. Madame Resslich’s not at home. She is a woman who is always busy, an excellent woman I assure you.... She might have been of use to you if you had been a little more sensible. Now, see! I take this five-per-cent bond out of the bureau—see what a lot I’ve got of them still—this one will be turned into cash to-day. I mustn’t waste any more time. The bureau is locked, the flat is locked, and here we are again on the stairs. Shall we take a cab? I’m going to the Islands. Would you like a lift? I’ll take this carriage. Ah, you refuse? You are tired of it! Come for a drive! I believe it will come on to rain. Never mind, we’ll put down the hood....”

“What a strange fellow! But here we are. Welcome to the staircase. That’s the way to Sofya Semyonovna’s room. Look, no one is home. Don’t believe me? Ask Kapernaumov. She leaves the key with him. Here is Madame de Kapernaumov herself. Hey, what? She’s rather deaf. Has she gone out? Where? Did you hear? She’s out and probably won’t be back until late this evening. Well, come to my room. You wanted to see me, didn’t you? Here we are. Madame Resslich isn’t home. She’s always busy. An excellent woman, I assure you.... She might have been useful to you if you’d been a little more sensible. Now, look! I’m taking this five-per-cent bond out of the bureau. See how many I still have? I’ll cash this one today. I mustn’t waste any more time. The bureau is locked, the apartment is locked, and here we are on the stairs again. Shall we take a cab? I’m going to the Islands. Would you like a lift? I’ll take this carriage. Ah, you won’t? You’ve had enough of it! Come for a drive! I think it’s going to rain. Never mind, we’ll put down the hood....”

Svidrigaïlov was already in the carriage. Raskolnikov decided that his suspicions were at least for that moment unjust. Without answering a word he turned and walked back towards the Hay Market. If he had only turned round on his way he might have seen Svidrigaïlov get out not a hundred paces off, dismiss the cab and walk along the pavement. But he had turned the corner and could see nothing. Intense disgust drew him away from Svidrigaïlov.

Svidrigaïlov was already in the carriage. Raskolnikov decided that his suspicions were unjustified, at least for the moment. Without answering, he turned and walked back toward the Hay Market. If he had turned around, he might have seen Svidrigaïlov get out less than a hundred paces away. He might have seen him dismiss the cab and walk along the sidewalk. But Raskolnikov had turned the corner and could see nothing. Intense disgust drove him away from Svidrigaïlov.

“To think that I could for one instant have looked for help from that coarse brute, that depraved sensualist and blackguard!” he cried.

“To think that, even for a moment, I looked to that crude brute for help! That depraved, lustful scoundrel!” he cried.

Raskolnikov’s judgment was uttered too lightly and hastily: there was something about Svidrigaïlov which gave him a certain original, even a mysterious character. As concerned his sister, Raskolnikov was convinced that Svidrigaïlov would not leave her in peace. But it was too tiresome and unbearable to go on thinking and thinking about this.

Raskolnikov had judged too lightly and hastily. There was something distinctive, even mysterious, about Svidrigaïlov. Raskolnikov was convinced that Svidrigaïlov would not leave his sister alone. But it was too tiresome and unbearable to keep thinking about it.

When he was alone, he had not gone twenty paces before he sank, as usual, into deep thought. On the bridge he stood by the railing and began gazing at the water. And his sister was standing close by him.

When he was alone, he had walked less than twenty paces before he sank into deep thought, as usual. On the bridge, he stood by the railing and gazed at the water. And his sister was standing close beside him.

He met her at the entrance to the bridge, but passed by without seeing her. Dounia had never met him like this in the street before and was struck with dismay. She stood still and did not know whether to call to him or not. Suddenly she saw Svidrigaïlov coming quickly from the direction of the Hay Market.

He encountered her at the entrance to the bridge, but walked past without seeing her. Dounia had never seen him like this in the street before, and she was alarmed. She stood still, unsure whether to call out to him. Suddenly, she saw Svidrigaïlov coming quickly from the direction of the Hay Market.

He seemed to be approaching cautiously. He did not go on to the bridge, but stood aside on the pavement, doing all he could to avoid Raskolnikov’s seeing him. He had observed Dounia for some time and had been making signs to her. She fancied he was signalling to beg her not to speak to her brother, but to come to him.

He seemed to be approaching cautiously. He did not go onto the bridge, but stood to one side on the sidewalk. He did everything he could to keep Raskolnikov from seeing him. He had been watching Dounia for some time and making signs to her. She thought he was signaling for her not to speak to her brother, but to come to him.

That was what Dounia did. She stole by her brother and went up to Svidrigaïlov.

That was what Dounia did. She slipped past her brother and went up to Svidrigaïlov.

“Let us make haste away,” Svidrigaïlov whispered to her, “I don’t want Rodion Romanovitch to know of our meeting. I must tell you I’ve been sitting with him in the restaurant close by, where he looked me up and I had great difficulty in getting rid of him. He has somehow heard of my letter to you and suspects something. It wasn’t you who told him, of course, but if not you, who then?”

“Let’s hurry away,” Svidrigaïlov whispered to her. “I don’t want Rodion Romanovitch to know we met. I was just sitting with him at the restaurant nearby. He came looking for me there, and I had a hard time getting rid of him. Somehow he heard about my letter to you, and he suspects something. Of course, you didn’t tell him. But if you didn’t, who did?”

“Well, we’ve turned the corner now,” Dounia interrupted, “and my brother won’t see us. I have to tell you that I am going no further with you. Speak to me here. You can tell it all in the street.”

“Well, we’ve turned the corner now,” Dounia interrupted, “and my brother won’t see us. I have to tell you, I’m not going any farther with you. Speak to me here. You can tell me everything in the street.”

“In the first place, I can’t say it in the street; secondly, you must hear Sofya Semyonovna too; and, thirdly, I will show you some papers.... Oh well, if you won’t agree to come with me, I shall refuse to give any explanation and go away at once. But I beg you not to forget that a very curious secret of your beloved brother’s is entirely in my keeping.”

“First, I can’t say it in the street. Second, you must hear Sofya Semyonovna too. Third, I’ll show you some papers.... Oh well, if you won’t come with me, I won’t explain anything. I’ll leave at once. But please don’t forget that I alone hold a very curious secret about your beloved brother.”

Dounia stood still, hesitating, and looked at Svidrigaïlov with searching eyes.

Dounia stood still, hesitating, and studied Svidrigaïlov closely.

“What are you afraid of?” he observed quietly. “The town is not the country. And even in the country you did me more harm than I did you.”

“What are you afraid of?” he said quietly. “The town is not the country. And even in the country, you hurt me more than I hurt you.”

“Have you prepared Sofya Semyonovna?”

“No, I have not said a word to her and am not quite certain whether she is at home now. But most likely she is. She has buried her stepmother to-day: she is not likely to go visiting on such a day. For the time I don’t want to speak to anyone about it and I half regret having spoken to you. The slightest indiscretion is as bad as betrayal in a thing like this. I live there in that house, we are coming to it. That’s the porter of our house—he knows me very well; you see, he’s bowing; he sees I’m coming with a lady and no doubt he has noticed your face already and you will be glad of that if you are afraid of me and suspicious. Excuse my putting things so coarsely. I haven’t a flat to myself; Sofya Semyonovna’s room is next to mine—she lodges in the next flat. The whole floor is let out in lodgings. Why are you frightened like a child? Am I really so terrible?”

“No, I haven’t said a word to her, and I’m not quite sure whether she’s home now. But she most likely is. She buried her stepmother today, so she’s unlikely to go visiting. For now, I don’t want to speak to anyone about it. I almost regret telling you. In a matter like this, the slightest indiscretion is as bad as betrayal. I live in that house. We’re coming to it now. That’s our porter. He knows me very well. You see, he’s bowing. He sees I’m coming with a lady, and he’s no doubt already noticed your face. You’ll be glad of that if you’re afraid of me and suspicious. Excuse me for putting it so bluntly. I don’t have an apartment to myself. Sofya Semyonovna’s room is next to mine, in the next apartment. The whole floor is rented out as lodgings. Why are you frightened like a child? Am I really so terrible?”

Svidrigaïlov’s lips were twisted in a condescending smile; but he was in no smiling mood. His heart was throbbing and he could scarcely breathe. He spoke rather loud to cover his growing excitement. But Dounia did not notice this peculiar excitement, she was so irritated by his remark that she was frightened of him like a child and that he was so terrible to her.

Svidrigaïlov’s lips curled into a condescending smile, but he was in no mood to smile. His heart was pounding, and he could hardly breathe. He spoke rather loudly to hide his growing excitement. But Dounia did not notice his unusual excitement. She was too irritated by his remark that she was frightened of him like a child and found him so terrifying.

“Though I know that you are not a man... of honour, I am not in the least afraid of you. Lead the way,” she said with apparent composure, but her face was very pale.

“Though I know you are not an honorable man... I am not at all afraid of you. Lead the way,” she said, apparently calm, but her face was very pale.

Svidrigaïlov stopped at Sonia’s room.

“Allow me to inquire whether she is at home.... She is not. How unfortunate! But I know she may come quite soon. If she’s gone out, it can only be to see a lady about the orphans. Their mother is dead.... I’ve been meddling and making arrangements for them. If Sofya Semyonovna does not come back in ten minutes, I will send her to you, to-day if you like. This is my flat. These are my two rooms. Madame Resslich, my landlady, has the next room. Now, look this way. I will show you my chief piece of evidence: this door from my bedroom leads into two perfectly empty rooms, which are to let. Here they are... You must look into them with some attention.”

“Let me ask if she’s at home.... She isn’t. How unfortunate! But I know she may be back quite soon. If she’s gone out, it can only be to see a lady about the orphans. Their mother is dead.... I’ve been getting involved and making arrangements for them. If Sofya Semyonovna doesn’t return in ten minutes, I’ll send her to you, today if you like. This is my apartment. These are my two rooms. Madame Resslich, my landlady, has the next room. Now, look this way. I’ll show you my main piece of evidence: this door from my bedroom leads into two completely empty rooms for rent. Here they are... You must look at them carefully.”

Svidrigaïlov occupied two fairly large furnished rooms. Dounia was looking about her mistrustfully, but saw nothing special in the furniture or position of the rooms. Yet there was something to observe, for instance, that Svidrigaïlov’s flat was exactly between two sets of almost uninhabited apartments. His rooms were not entered directly from the passage, but through the landlady’s two almost empty rooms. Unlocking a door leading out of his bedroom, Svidrigaïlov showed Dounia the two empty rooms that were to let. Dounia stopped in the doorway, not knowing what she was called to look upon, but Svidrigaïlov hastened to explain.

Svidrigaïlov occupied two fairly large furnished rooms. Dounia looked around suspiciously, but saw nothing unusual about the furniture or the rooms’ location. Yet there was something worth noticing. Svidrigaïlov’s apartment was between two sets of rooms that were almost unoccupied. His rooms could not be entered directly from the hallway. Instead, visitors had to pass through the landlady’s two almost empty rooms. Svidrigaïlov unlocked a door leading from his bedroom and showed Dounia the two empty rooms for rent. Dounia stopped in the doorway, unsure what he wanted her to see, but Svidrigaïlov quickly explained.

“Look here, at this second large room. Notice that door, it’s locked. By the door stands a chair, the only one in the two rooms. I brought it from my rooms so as to listen more conveniently. Just the other side of the door is Sofya Semyonovna’s table; she sat there talking to Rodion Romanovitch. And I sat here listening on two successive evenings, for two hours each time—and of course I was able to learn something, what do you think?”

“Look here, at this second large room. Notice that door? It’s locked. There’s a chair by the door, the only one in the two rooms. I brought it from my rooms so I could listen more comfortably. Sofya Semyonovna’s table is just on the other side of the door. She sat there talking to Rodion Romanovitch. And I sat here listening for two hours on each of two evenings in a row. Of course, I was able to learn something. What do you think?”

“You listened?”

“Yes, I did. Now come back to my room; we can’t sit down here.”

“Yes, I did. Come back to my room. We can’t sit down here.”

He brought Avdotya Romanovna back into his sitting-room and offered her a chair. He sat down at the opposite side of the table, at least seven feet from her, but probably there was the same glow in his eyes which had once frightened Dounia so much. She shuddered and once more looked about her distrustfully. It was an involuntary gesture; she evidently did not wish to betray her uneasiness. But the secluded position of Svidrigaïlov’s lodging had suddenly struck her. She wanted to ask whether his landlady at least were at home, but pride kept her from asking. Moreover, she had another trouble in her heart incomparably greater than fear for herself. She was in great distress.

He led Avdotya Romanovna back into his sitting room and offered her a chair. He sat on the opposite side of the table, at least seven feet away. But his eyes probably had the same glow that had once frightened Dounia so much. She shuddered and looked around again with suspicion. The gesture was involuntary. She clearly did not want to show her unease. But she had suddenly realized how secluded Svidrigaïlov’s lodging was. She wanted to ask whether at least his landlady was home, but pride kept her from asking. Besides, she had another worry that troubled her far more than fear for herself. She was deeply distressed.

“Here is your letter,” she said, laying it on the table. “Can it be true what you write? You hint at a crime committed, you say, by my brother. You hint at it too clearly; you daren’t deny it now. I must tell you that I’d heard of this stupid story before you wrote and don’t believe a word of it. It’s a disgusting and ridiculous suspicion. I know the story and why and how it was invented. You can have no proofs. You promised to prove it. Speak! But let me warn you that I don’t believe you! I don’t believe you!”

“Here is your letter,” she said, laying it on the table. “Can what you wrote be true? You suggest that my brother committed a crime. You suggest it too clearly to deny it now. I must tell you that I’d heard this stupid story before you wrote, and I don’t believe a word of it. It’s a disgusting and ridiculous suspicion. I know the story and why and how it was invented. You can’t have any proof. You promised to prove it. Speak! But let me warn you, I don’t believe you! I don’t believe you!”

Dounia said this, speaking hurriedly, and for an instant the colour rushed to her face.

Dounia said this quickly, and her face flushed for a moment.

“If you didn’t believe it, how could you risk coming alone to my rooms? Why have you come? Simply from curiosity?”

“If you didn’t believe it, how could you risk coming to my room alone? Why did you come? Just out of curiosity?”

“Don’t torment me. Speak, speak!”

“Don’t torment me. Tell me, tell me!”

“There’s no denying that you are a brave girl. Upon my word, I thought you would have asked Mr. Razumihin to escort you here. But he was not with you nor anywhere near. I was on the look-out. It’s spirited of you, it proves you wanted to spare Rodion Romanovitch. But everything is divine in you.... About your brother, what am I to say to you? You’ve just seen him yourself. What did you think of him?”

“There’s no denying you’re a brave girl. Honestly, I thought you would ask Mr. Razumihin to escort you here. But he wasn’t with you or anywhere nearby. I was watching for him. It was brave of you to come alone. It shows you wanted to spare Rodion Romanovitch. But everything about you is divine.... What can I tell you about your brother? You’ve just seen him yourself. What did you think of him?”

“Surely that’s not the only thing you are building on?”

“Surely that’s not the only thing you’re relying on?”

“No, not on that, but on his own words. He came here on two successive evenings to see Sofya Semyonovna. I’ve shown you where they sat. He made a full confession to her. He is a murderer. He killed an old woman, a pawnbroker, with whom he had pawned things himself. He killed her sister too, a pedlar woman called Lizaveta, who happened to come in while he was murdering her sister. He killed them with an axe he brought with him. He murdered them to rob them and he did rob them. He took money and various things.... He told all this, word for word, to Sofya Semyonovna, the only person who knows his secret. But she has had no share by word or deed in the murder; she was as horrified at it as you are now. Don’t be anxious, she won’t betray him.”

“No, not on that, but on his own words. He came here to see Sofya Semyonovna two evenings in a row. I’ve shown you where they sat. He confessed everything to her. He is a murderer. He killed an old woman, a pawnbroker he had used himself. He also killed her sister, Lizaveta, a woman who sold goods. She happened to come in while he was murdering her sister. He killed them with an axe he brought with him. He murdered them to rob them, and he did rob them. He took money and various things.... He told Sofya Semyonovna all of this, word for word. She is the only person who knows his secret. But she had no part in the murder, by word or deed. She was as horrified by it as you are now. Don’t worry, she won’t betray him.”

“It cannot be,” muttered Dounia, with white lips. She gasped for breath. “It cannot be. There was not the slightest cause, no sort of ground.... It’s a lie, a lie!”

“It can’t be,” muttered Dounia, her lips pale. She gasped for breath. “It can’t be. There wasn’t the slightest reason, no grounds at all.... It’s a lie, a lie!”

“He robbed her, that was the cause, he took money and things. It’s true that by his own admission he made no use of the money or things, but hid them under a stone, where they are now. But that was because he dared not make use of them.”

“He robbed her. That was the cause. He took money and other things. It’s true that he admitted he never used any of them. Instead, he hid them under a stone, where they still are. But that was because he didn’t dare use them.”

“But how could he steal, rob? How could he dream of it?” cried Dounia, and she jumped up from the chair. “Why, you know him, and you’ve seen him, can he be a thief?”

“But how could he steal or rob? How could he even think of it?” Dounia cried, jumping up from her chair. “You know him, and you’ve seen him. Could he be a thief?”

She seemed to be imploring Svidrigaïlov; she had entirely forgotten her fear.

She seemed to be begging Svidrigaïlov. She had completely forgotten her fear.

“There are thousands and millions of combinations and possibilities, Avdotya Romanovna. A thief steals and knows he is a scoundrel, but I’ve heard of a gentleman who broke open the mail. Who knows, very likely he thought he was doing a gentlemanly thing! Of course I should not have believed it myself if I’d been told of it as you have, but I believe my own ears. He explained all the causes of it to Sofya Semyonovna too, but she did not believe her ears at first, yet she believed her own eyes at last.”

“There are thousands and millions of possible combinations, Avdotya Romanovna. A thief steals and knows he’s a scoundrel. But I’ve heard of a gentleman who broke open the mail. Who knows? He very likely thought he was doing a gentlemanly thing! Of course, if someone had told me about it, as they told you, I wouldn’t have believed it either. But I believe my own ears. He explained all his reasons to Sofya Semyonovna too. At first she couldn’t believe her ears, but in the end she believed her own eyes.”

“What... were the causes?”

“It’s a long story, Avdotya Romanovna. Here’s... how shall I tell you?—A theory of a sort, the same one by which I for instance consider that a single misdeed is permissible if the principal aim is right, a solitary wrongdoing and hundreds of good deeds! It’s galling too, of course, for a young man of gifts and overweening pride to know that if he had, for instance, a paltry three thousand, his whole career, his whole future would be differently shaped and yet not to have that three thousand. Add to that, nervous irritability from hunger, from lodging in a hole, from rags, from a vivid sense of the charm of his social position and his sister’s and mother’s position too. Above all, vanity, pride and vanity, though goodness knows he may have good qualities too.... I am not blaming him, please don’t think it; besides, it’s not my business. A special little theory came in too—a theory of a sort—dividing mankind, you see, into material and superior persons, that is persons to whom the law does not apply owing to their superiority, who make laws for the rest of mankind, the material, that is. It’s all right as a theory, une théorie comme une autre. Napoleon attracted him tremendously, that is, what affected him was that a great many men of genius have not hesitated at wrongdoing, but have overstepped the law without thinking about it. He seems to have fancied that he was a genius too—that is, he was convinced of it for a time. He has suffered a great deal and is still suffering from the idea that he could make a theory, but was incapable of boldly overstepping the law, and so is not a man of genius. And that’s humiliating for a young man of any pride, in our day especially....”

“It’s a long story, Avdotya Romanovna. Here’s... how should I put it? It’s a kind of theory. It’s the same theory I use, for instance, to argue that one bad deed is allowed if the main goal is right. One wrongdoing and hundreds of good deeds! Of course, it’s also galling for a gifted, extremely proud young man to lack a mere three thousand. He knows that, if he had it, his whole career and future would be different. Add the nervous irritability caused by hunger, living in a hole, and wearing rags. Add his keen sense of the charm of his social position, and his sister’s and mother’s positions too. Above all, there’s vanity, pride and vanity, though goodness knows he may have good qualities too.... I’m not blaming him, please don’t think that. Besides, it’s not my business. A special little theory played a part too. It divided humanity into ordinary material and superior people. The law doesn’t apply to the superior people because of their superiority. They make laws for the rest of humanity, the material. It’s all right as a theory, one theory is as good as another. He was enormously drawn to Napoleon. What struck him was that many men of genius haven’t hesitated to do wrong. They’ve broken the law without a second thought. He seems to have imagined he was a genius too. In fact, he was convinced of it for a time. He has suffered a great deal, and still suffers, from the thought that he could make a theory but couldn’t boldly break the law. So he isn’t a man of genius. And that’s humiliating for any proud young man, especially in our day....”

“But remorse? You deny him any moral feeling then? Is he like that?”

“But what about remorse? So you think he has no moral feelings? Is he really like that?”

“Ah, Avdotya Romanovna, everything is in a muddle now; not that it was ever in very good order. Russians in general are broad in their ideas, Avdotya Romanovna, broad like their land and exceedingly disposed to the fantastic, the chaotic. But it’s a misfortune to be broad without a special genius. Do you remember what a lot of talk we had together on this subject, sitting in the evenings on the terrace after supper? Why, you used to reproach me with breadth! Who knows, perhaps we were talking at the very time when he was lying here thinking over his plan. There are no sacred traditions amongst us, especially in the educated class, Avdotya Romanovna. At the best someone will make them up somehow for himself out of books or from some old chronicle. But those are for the most part the learned and all old fogeys, so that it would be almost ill-bred in a man of society. You know my opinions in general, though. I never blame anyone. I do nothing at all, I persevere in that. But we’ve talked of this more than once before. I was so happy indeed as to interest you in my opinions.... You are very pale, Avdotya Romanovna.”

“Ah, Avdotya Romanovna, everything is in a mess now, though it was never very orderly. Russians generally have broad ideas, Avdotya Romanovna, as broad as their land. They are extremely drawn to the fantastic and the chaotic. But it’s a misfortune to be broad-minded without a special genius. Do you remember how much we talked about this on the terrace after supper? Why, you used to criticize me for being too broad-minded! Who knows, perhaps we were talking while he was lying here thinking over his plan. We have no sacred traditions, Avdotya Romanovna, especially among the educated classes. At best, someone might piece together traditions for himself from books or an old chronicle. But such people are mostly scholars and all old fogeys. So it would be almost bad manners for a man of society to do that. You know my views in general, though. I never blame anyone. I do nothing at all, and I keep at it. But we’ve talked about this more than once before. I was fortunate enough to interest you in my views.... You are very pale, Avdotya Romanovna.”

“I know his theory. I read that article of his about men to whom all is permitted. Razumihin brought it to me.”

“I know his theory. I read his article about men who are allowed to do anything. Razumihin brought it to me.”

“Mr. Razumihin? Your brother’s article? In a magazine? Is there such an article? I didn’t know. It must be interesting. But where are you going, Avdotya Romanovna?”

“Mr. Razumihin? Your brother’s article? In a magazine? Is there really an article? I didn’t know. It must be interesting. But where are you going, Avdotya Romanovna?”

“I want to see Sofya Semyonovna,” Dounia articulated faintly. “How do I go to her? She has come in, perhaps. I must see her at once. Perhaps she...”

“I want to see Sofya Semyonovna,” Dounia said faintly. “How do I get to her? Perhaps she has come in. I must see her at once. Perhaps she...”

Avdotya Romanovna could not finish. Her breath literally failed her.

Avdotya Romanovna could not finish. She literally ran out of breath.

“Sofya Semyonovna will not be back till night, at least I believe not. She was to have been back at once, but if not, then she will not be in till quite late.”

“Sofya Semyonovna won't be back until tonight, at least I don't think so. She was supposed to come back right away, but if she doesn't, she won't be back until quite late.”

“Ah, then you are lying! I see... you were lying... lying all the time.... I don’t believe you! I don’t believe you!” cried Dounia, completely losing her head.

“Ah, so you’re lying! I see... you were lying... lying all the time.... I don’t believe you! I don’t believe you!” cried Dounia, completely losing control.

Almost fainting, she sank on to a chair which Svidrigaïlov made haste to give her.

Almost fainting, she sank into a chair that Svidrigaïlov hurried to give her.

“Avdotya Romanovna, what is it? Control yourself! Here is some water. Drink a little....”

“Avdotya Romanovna, what's wrong? Calm down! Here's some water. Drink a little....”

He sprinkled some water over her. Dounia shuddered and came to herself.

He sprinkled some water on her. Dounia shuddered and regained consciousness.

“It has acted violently,” Svidrigaïlov muttered to himself, frowning. “Avdotya Romanovna, calm yourself! Believe me, he has friends. We will save him. Would you like me to take him abroad? I have money, I can get a ticket in three days. And as for the murder, he will do all sorts of good deeds yet, to atone for it. Calm yourself. He may become a great man yet. Well, how are you? How do you feel?”

“It has had a violent effect,” Svidrigaïlov muttered to himself, frowning. “Avdotya Romanovna, calm down! Believe me, he has friends. We will save him. Would you like me to take him abroad? I have money. I can get a ticket in three days. And he will do all sorts of good deeds to make up for the murder. Calm down. He may still become a great man. Well, how are you? How do you feel?”

“Cruel man! To be able to jeer at it! Let me go...”

“Cruel man! How can you make fun of it? Let me go...”

“Where are you going?”

“To him. Where is he? Do you know? Why is this door locked? We came in at that door and now it is locked. When did you manage to lock it?”

“To him. Where is he? Do you know? Why is this door locked? We came in through that door, and now it’s locked. When did you have time to lock it?”

“We couldn’t be shouting all over the flat on such a subject. I am far from jeering; it’s simply that I’m sick of talking like this. But how can you go in such a state? Do you want to betray him? You will drive him to fury, and he will give himself up. Let me tell you, he is already being watched; they are already on his track. You will simply be giving him away. Wait a little: I saw him and was talking to him just now. He can still be saved. Wait a bit, sit down; let us think it over together. I asked you to come in order to discuss it alone with you and to consider it thoroughly. But do sit down!”

“We couldn’t shout about such a subject all over the apartment. I’m not making fun of you. I’m just sick of talking like this. But how can you go in this state? Do you want to betray him? You’ll drive him into a rage, and he’ll turn himself in. Let me tell you, he’s already being watched. They’re already on his trail. You’ll just give him away. Wait a little. I just saw him and talked to him. He can still be saved. Wait a bit, sit down, and let’s think it over together. I asked you to come so we could discuss it alone and think it through carefully. But please sit down!”

“How can you save him? Can he really be saved?”

Dounia sat down. Svidrigaïlov sat down beside her.

“It all depends on you, on you, on you alone,” he began with glowing eyes, almost in a whisper and hardly able to utter the words for emotion.

“It all depends on you, on you, on you alone,” he began, his eyes glowing. He spoke almost in a whisper, hardly able to get the words out for emotion.

Dounia drew back from him in alarm. He too was trembling all over.

Dounia pulled away from him in alarm. He was trembling all over too.

“You... one word from you, and he is saved. I... I’ll save him. I have money and friends. I’ll send him away at once. I’ll get a passport, two passports, one for him and one for me. I have friends... capable people.... If you like, I’ll take a passport for you... for your mother.... What do you want with Razumihin? I love you too.... I love you beyond everything.... Let me kiss the hem of your dress, let me, let me.... The very rustle of it is too much for me. Tell me, ‘do that,’ and I’ll do it. I’ll do everything. I will do the impossible. What you believe, I will believe. I’ll do anything—anything! Don’t, don’t look at me like that. Do you know that you are killing me?...”

“You... say one word, and he’ll be saved. I... I’ll save him. I have money and friends. I’ll send him away immediately. I’ll get two passports, one for him and one for me. I have friends... capable people.... If you want, I’ll get a passport for you... for your mother.... What do you want with Razumihin? I love you too.... I love you more than anything.... Let me kiss the hem of your dress, let me, let me.... Even the sound of your dress rustling is too much for me. Tell me, ‘do that,’ and I’ll do it. I’ll do everything. I’ll do the impossible. Whatever you believe, I’ll believe. I’ll do anything, anything! Don’t, don’t look at me like that. Do you know you’re killing me?...”

He was almost beginning to rave.... Something seemed suddenly to go to his head. Dounia jumped up and rushed to the door.

He was almost starting to rant.... Something suddenly seemed to go to his head. Dounia jumped up and rushed to the door.

“Open it! Open it!” she called, shaking the door. “Open it! Is there no one there?”

“Open it! Open it!” she called, shaking the door. “Open it! Is anyone there?”

Svidrigaïlov got up and came to himself. His still trembling lips slowly broke into an angry mocking smile.

Svidrigaïlov stood up and regained his composure. His lips were still trembling as they slowly formed an angry, mocking smile.

“There is no one at home,” he said quietly and emphatically. “The landlady has gone out, and it’s waste of time to shout like that. You are only exciting yourself uselessly.”

“No one is home,” he said quietly but firmly. “The landlady has gone out, and there’s no point shouting like that. You’re only getting yourself worked up for nothing.”

“Where is the key? Open the door at once, at once, base man!”

“Where is the key? Open the door right now, right now, you scoundrel!”

“I have lost the key and cannot find it.”

“I lost the key and can't find it.”

“This is an outrage,” cried Dounia, turning pale as death. She rushed to the furthest corner, where she made haste to barricade herself with a little table.

“This is outrageous,” Dounia cried, turning as pale as death. She rushed to the farthest corner and quickly barricaded herself with a small table.

She did not scream, but she fixed her eyes on her tormentor and watched every movement he made.

She didn't scream, but she kept her eyes on her tormentor and watched his every move.

Svidrigaïlov remained standing at the other end of the room facing her. He was positively composed, at least in appearance, but his face was pale as before. The mocking smile did not leave his face.

Svidrigaïlov stood at the other end of the room, facing her. He seemed completely calm, but his face was still pale. The mocking smile never left his face.

“You spoke of outrage just now, Avdotya Romanovna. In that case you may be sure I’ve taken measures. Sofya Semyonovna is not at home. The Kapernaumovs are far away—there are five locked rooms between. I am at least twice as strong as you are and I have nothing to fear, besides. For you could not complain afterwards. You surely would not be willing actually to betray your brother? Besides, no one would believe you. How should a girl have come alone to visit a solitary man in his lodgings? So that even if you do sacrifice your brother, you could prove nothing. It is very difficult to prove an assault, Avdotya Romanovna.”

“You mentioned an assault just now, Avdotya Romanovna. You can be sure I’ve taken precautions. Sofya Semyonovna is not home. The Kapernaumovs are far away, with five locked rooms between us. I’m at least twice as strong as you are. Besides, I have nothing to fear. You couldn’t report me afterward. Surely you wouldn’t be willing to betray your brother? Besides, no one would believe you. Why would a girl come alone to visit a man living by himself? So even if you did sacrifice your brother, you couldn’t prove anything. It’s very difficult to prove an assault, Avdotya Romanovna.”

“Scoundrel!” whispered Dounia indignantly.

“Jerk!” Dounia whispered indignantly.

“As you like, but observe I was only speaking by way of a general proposition. It’s my personal conviction that you are perfectly right—violence is hateful. I only spoke to show you that you need have no remorse even if... you were willing to save your brother of your own accord, as I suggest to you. You would be simply submitting to circumstances, to violence, in fact, if we must use that word. Think about it. Your brother’s and your mother’s fate are in your hands. I will be your slave... all my life... I will wait here.”

“As you wish, but remember, I was only speaking in general terms. I personally believe you are absolutely right. Violence is hateful. I only meant to show you that you need feel no remorse even if... you chose to save your brother willingly, as I suggest. You would simply be giving in to circumstances, to violence, in fact, if we must use that word. Think about it. Your brother’s and your mother’s fates are in your hands. I will be your slave... all my life... I will wait here.”

Svidrigaïlov sat down on the sofa about eight steps from Dounia. She had not the slightest doubt now of his unbending determination. Besides, she knew him. Suddenly she pulled out of her pocket a revolver, cocked it and laid it in her hand on the table. Svidrigaïlov jumped up.

Svidrigaïlov sat down on the sofa about eight steps from Dounia. She no longer had any doubt that he was determined to have his way. Besides, she knew him. Suddenly, she pulled a revolver from her pocket and cocked it. She rested her hand on the table with the revolver in it. Svidrigaïlov jumped up.

“Aha! So that’s it, is it?” he cried, surprised but smiling maliciously. “Well, that completely alters the aspect of affairs. You’ve made things wonderfully easier for me, Avdotya Romanovna. But where did you get the revolver? Was it Mr. Razumihin? Why, it’s my revolver, an old friend! And how I’ve hunted for it! The shooting lessons I’ve given you in the country have not been thrown away.”

“Aha! So that’s it?” he cried, surprised but smiling maliciously. “Well, that changes everything. You’ve made things much easier for me, Avdotya Romanovna. But where did you get the revolver? Was it Mr. Razumihin? Why, it’s my revolver, an old friend! I’ve looked everywhere for it! The shooting lessons I gave you in the country weren’t wasted.”

“It’s not your revolver, it belonged to Marfa Petrovna, whom you killed, wretch! There was nothing of yours in her house. I took it when I began to suspect what you were capable of. If you dare to advance one step, I swear I’ll kill you.” She was frantic.

“It’s not your revolver. It belonged to Marfa Petrovna, whom you killed, you monster! Nothing in her house belonged to you. I took it when I began to suspect what you were capable of. If you dare take one step forward, I swear I’ll kill you.” She was frantic.

“But your brother? I ask from curiosity,” said Svidrigaïlov, still standing where he was.

“But what about your brother? I'm just curious,” said Svidrigaïlov, still standing in the same spot.

“Inform, if you want to! Don’t stir! Don’t come nearer! I’ll shoot! You poisoned your wife, I know; you are a murderer yourself!” She held the revolver ready.

“Go ahead and report me if you want! Don’t move! Don’t come any closer! I’ll shoot! I know you poisoned your wife. You’re a murderer yourself!” She held the revolver ready.

“Are you so positive I poisoned Marfa Petrovna?”

“Are you so sure I poisoned Marfa Petrovna?”

“You did! You hinted it yourself; you talked to me of poison.... I know you went to get it... you had it in readiness.... It was your doing.... It must have been your doing.... Scoundrel!”

“You did! You hinted at it yourself. You talked to me about poison.... I know you went to get it... you had it ready.... It was your doing.... It must have been your doing.... You scoundrel!”

“Even if that were true, it would have been for your sake... you would have been the cause.”

“Even if that were true, it would have been for your sake... you would have been the reason.”

“You are lying! I hated you always, always....”

“You're lying! I've always hated you, always....”

“Oho, Avdotya Romanovna! You seem to have forgotten how you softened to me in the heat of propaganda. I saw it in your eyes. Do you remember that moonlight night, when the nightingale was singing?”

“Oh, Avdotya Romanovna! You seem to have forgotten how you warmed to me in the heat of propaganda. I saw it in your eyes. Do you remember that moonlit night, when the nightingale was singing?”

“That’s a lie,” there was a flash of fury in Dounia’s eyes, “that’s a lie and a libel!”

“That’s a lie.” Fury flashed in Dounia’s eyes. “That’s a lie and a slander!”

“A lie? Well, if you like, it’s a lie. I made it up. Women ought not to be reminded of such things,” he smiled. “I know you will shoot, you pretty wild creature. Well, shoot away!”

“A lie? Well, if you like, it’s a lie. I made it up. Women shouldn’t be reminded of such things,” he said with a smile. “I know you’ll shoot, you pretty wild creature. Well, go ahead and shoot!”

Dounia raised the revolver, and deadly pale, gazed at him, measuring the distance and awaiting the first movement on his part. Her lower lip was white and quivering and her big black eyes flashed like fire. He had never seen her so handsome. The fire glowing in her eyes at the moment she raised the revolver seemed to kindle him and there was a pang of anguish in his heart. He took a step forward and a shot rang out. The bullet grazed his hair and flew into the wall behind. He stood still and laughed softly.

Dounia raised the revolver. Deathly pale, she stared at him, judging the distance and waiting for him to make the first move. Her lower lip was white and trembling, and her big black eyes flashed like fire. He had never seen her so beautiful. The fire in her eyes as she raised the revolver seemed to ignite something in him. He felt a pang of anguish in his heart. He took a step forward, and a shot rang out. The bullet grazed his hair and struck the wall behind him. He stood still and laughed softly.

“The wasp has stung me. She aimed straight at my head. What’s this? Blood?” he pulled out his handkerchief to wipe the blood, which flowed in a thin stream down his right temple. The bullet seemed to have just grazed the skin.

“The wasp stung me. She aimed straight at my head. What’s this? Blood?” He pulled out his handkerchief to wipe away the blood. It was running in a thin stream down his right temple. The bullet seemed to have just grazed his skin.

Dounia lowered the revolver and looked at Svidrigaïlov not so much in terror as in a sort of wild amazement. She seemed not to understand what she was doing and what was going on.

Dounia lowered the revolver and looked at Svidrigaïlov with less terror than a kind of wild amazement. She seemed not to understand what she was doing or what was happening.

“Well, you missed! Fire again, I’ll wait,” said Svidrigaïlov softly, still smiling, but gloomily. “If you go on like that, I shall have time to seize you before you cock again.”

“Well, you missed! Shoot again. I’ll wait,” Svidrigaïlov said softly, still smiling, though his smile was gloomy. “If you keep shooting like that, I’ll have time to grab you before you cock the gun again.”

Dounia started, quickly cocked the pistol and again raised it.

Dounia flinched, quickly cocked the pistol, and raised it again.

“Let me be,” she cried in despair. “I swear I’ll shoot again. I... I’ll kill you.”

“Leave me alone,” she cried in despair. “I swear I’ll shoot again. I... I’ll kill you.”

“Well... at three paces you can hardly help it. But if you don’t... then.” His eyes flashed and he took two steps forward. Dounia shot again: it missed fire.

“Well... at three paces you can hardly miss. But if you don’t... then.” His eyes flashed, and he took two steps forward. Dounia fired again, but the gun misfired.

“You haven’t loaded it properly. Never mind, you have another charge there. Get it ready, I’ll wait.”

“You haven’t loaded it properly. Never mind, you have another charge there. Get it ready. I’ll wait.”

He stood facing her, two paces away, waiting and gazing at her with wild determination, with feverishly passionate, stubborn, set eyes. Dounia saw that he would sooner die than let her go. “And... now, of course she would kill him, at two paces!” Suddenly she flung away the revolver.

He stood two paces away, facing her. He waited and stared at her with wild determination, his eyes feverish, passionate, stubborn, and set. Dounia saw that he would rather die than let her go. “And... now, of course she would kill him from two paces away!” Suddenly she threw the revolver away.

“She’s dropped it!” said Svidrigaïlov with surprise, and he drew a deep breath. A weight seemed to have rolled from his heart—perhaps not only the fear of death; indeed he may scarcely have felt it at that moment. It was the deliverance from another feeling, darker and more bitter, which he could not himself have defined.

“She’s dropped it!” Svidrigaïlov said in surprise, taking a deep breath. He seemed to feel a weight lift from his heart. Perhaps it was more than the fear of death. In fact, he may hardly have felt that fear at that moment. He was free of another feeling, darker and more bitter, which he could not have described himself.

He went to Dounia and gently put his arm round her waist. She did not resist, but, trembling like a leaf, looked at him with suppliant eyes. He tried to say something, but his lips moved without being able to utter a sound.

He went to Dounia and gently put his arm around her waist. She did not resist, but trembled like a leaf and looked at him pleadingly. He tried to speak, but his lips moved without making a sound.

“Let me go,” Dounia implored. Svidrigaïlov shuddered. Her voice now was quite different.

“Let me go,” Dounia begged. Svidrigaïlov shuddered. Her voice sounded completely different now.

“Then you don’t love me?” he asked softly. Dounia shook her head.

“And... and you can’t? Never?” he whispered in despair.

“Never!”

There followed a moment of terrible, dumb struggle in the heart of Svidrigaïlov. He looked at her with an indescribable gaze. Suddenly he withdrew his arm, turned quickly to the window and stood facing it. Another moment passed.

For a moment, Svidrigaïlov felt a terrible, silent struggle in his heart. He looked at her with an indescribable expression. Suddenly, he pulled his arm away, turned quickly to the window, and stood facing it. Another moment passed.

“Here’s the key.”

He took it out of the left pocket of his coat and laid it on the table behind him, without turning or looking at Dounia.

He took it out of his coat's left pocket and put it on the table behind him, without turning or looking at Dounia.

“Take it! Make haste!”

“Take it! Hurry!”

He looked stubbornly out of the window. Dounia went up to the table to take the key.

He stared stubbornly out the window. Dounia went to the table to get the key.

“Make haste! Make haste!” repeated Svidrigaïlov, still without turning or moving. But there seemed a terrible significance in the tone of that “make haste.”

“Hurry! Hurry!” Svidrigaïlov repeated, still without turning or moving. But there seemed to be a terrible significance in the way he said “hurry.”

Dounia understood it, snatched up the key, flew to the door, unlocked it quickly and rushed out of the room. A minute later, beside herself, she ran out on to the canal bank in the direction of X. Bridge.

Dounia understood. She grabbed the key, rushed to the door, quickly unlocked it, and ran out of the room. A minute later, beside herself, she ran along the canal bank toward X. Bridge.

Svidrigaïlov remained three minutes standing at the window. At last he slowly turned, looked about him and passed his hand over his forehead. A strange smile contorted his face, a pitiful, sad, weak smile, a smile of despair. The blood, which was already getting dry, smeared his hand. He looked angrily at it, then wetted a towel and washed his temple. The revolver which Dounia had flung away lay near the door and suddenly caught his eye. He picked it up and examined it. It was a little pocket three-barrel revolver of old-fashioned construction. There were still two charges and one capsule left in it. It could be fired again. He thought a little, put the revolver in his pocket, took his hat and went out.

Svidrigaïlov stood at the window for three minutes. At last, he slowly turned, looked around, and ran his hand over his forehead. A strange smile twisted his face, a pitiful, sad, weak smile, a smile of despair. The blood, which was already drying, smeared his hand. He looked angrily at the blood, then wet a towel and washed his temple. The revolver Dounia had thrown aside lay near the door. Suddenly, it caught his eye. He picked it up and examined it. It was a small, old-fashioned pocket revolver with three barrels. It still had two charges and one capsule left. It could be fired again. He thought for a moment, put the revolver in his pocket, took his hat, and went out.