第7页 / 共1294页

"I knew it," he muttered in confusion, "I thought so! That's the

worst of all! Why, a stupid thing like this, the most trivial

detail might spoil the whole plan. Yes, my hat is too

noticeable.... It looks absurd and that makes it noticeable....

With my rags I ought to wear a cap, any sort of old pancake, but

not this grotesque thing. Nobody wears such a hat, it would be

noticed a mile off, it would be remembered.... What matters is

that people would remember it, and that would give them a clue.

For this business one should be as little conspicuous as

possible.... Trifles, trifles are what matter! Why, it's just

such trifles that always ruin everything...."