d, and his object
in doing so!" replied Raskolnikoff dryly.

"Did you really know why?"

"I did. And what did you gather from it?"

"I gathered from it, _batuchka!_ Rodion Romanovitch, the knowledge of
a good many of your doings--in fact, I know all! I know that you went,
towards nightfall, _to hire the lodgings._ I know that you pulled the
bell, and that a question of yours in connection with bloodstains, as
well as your manner, frightened both journeymen and dvorniks. I know
what was your mood at the time. Excitement of such a kind will drive
you out of your mind, be assured. A praiseworthy indignation is at
work within you, complaining now as to destiny, now on the subject of
police agents. You keep going here and there to induce people as far
as possible to formulate their accusations. This stupid kind of
tittle-tattle is hateful to you, and you are anxious to put a stop to
it as soon as possible. Am I right? Have I laid finger on the
sentiments which actuate you? But you are not satisfied by turning
your own brain, you want to do, or rather do, the same thing to my
good Razoumikhin. Really, it is a pity to upset so good a fellow! His
kindness exposes him more than anyone else to suffer contagion from
your own malady. But you shall know all as soon as you shall be
calmer. Pray, therefore, once again sit down, _batuchka_! Try and
recover your spirits--you seem quite unhinged."

Raskolnikoff rose while looking at him with an air full of contempt.
"Tell me once for all," asked the latter, "tell me one way or other,
whether I am in your opinion an object for suspicion? Speak up,
Porphyrius Petrovitch, and explain yourself without any more beating
about the bush, and that forthwith!"

"Just one word, Rodion Romanovitch. This affair will end as God knows
best; but still, by way of form, I may have to ask you a few more
questions. Hence we are certain to meet again!" And with a smile
Porphyrius stopped before the young man. "Certain!" he repeated. One
might have fancied that he wished to say something more. But he did
not do so.

"Forgive my strange manner just now, Porphyrius Petrovitch, I was
hasty," began Raskolnikoff, who had regained all his self-possession,
and who even experienced an irresistible wish to chaff the magistrate.

"Don't say any more, it was nothing," replied Porphyrius in almost
joyful tone. "Till we meet again!"

"Till we meet again!"

The young man forthwith went home. Having got there, h