Pagina 398 di 1294

"I've caught my cock-sparrow! So you did believe it before, if

now you believe less than ever?"

"Not at all," cried Zametov, obviously embarrassed. "Have you

been frightening me so as to lead up to this?"

"You don't believe it then? What were you talking about behind my

back when I went out of the police-office? And why did the

explosive lieutenant question me after I fainted? Hey, there," he

shouted to the waiter, getting up and taking his cap, "how much?"

"Thirty copecks," the latter replied, running up.

"And there is twenty copecks for vodka. See what a lot of money!"

he held out his shaking hand to Zametov with notes in it. "Red

notes and blue, twenty-five roubles. Where did I get them? And

where did my new clothes come from? You know I had not a copeck.

You've cross-examined my landlady, I'll be bound.... Well, that's

enough! Assez cause! Till we meet again!"