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He must have dropped the ear-rings out of his pocket when he

stood behind the door, and did not notice he dropped them,

because he had other things to think of. The jewel-case is a

conclusive proof that he did stand there.... That's how I explain

it."

"Too clever! No, my boy, you're too clever. That beats

everything."

"But, why, why?"

"Why, because everything fits too well... it's too melodramatic."

"A-ach!" Razumihin was exclaiming, but at that moment the door

opened and a personage came in who was a stranger to all present.

CHAPTER V