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But now I will repeat to you what I have already said to that

gentleman with the long sword, that Plut is the first in command,

I the second; Plut is still alive, and he may play you a trick

that will be your ruin, for he is a cunning specimen-you need to

stuff his mouth with bank notes. Well, my friend, you with the

long sword, have you called on Plut already? Have you had a talk

with him?"

Gerwazy looked around and stroked his bald pate; he made a

careless motion of his hand as if to signify that he had already

arranged the whole matter. But Rykov persisted:-

"Well, will Plut keep quiet? Has he given his word to do so?"

The Warden, vexed that Rykov should torment him with questions,

solemnly bent down his thumb to the ground, and then, with a wave

of the hand, as if to cut short further discourse, he said:-

"I swear by my penknife that Plut will not betray us! He will

talk no more with any one!"