ight will be a fine one, as long
as we get no storm. That would be all the better though, as it would
clear the air."

"Porphyrius Petrovitch," said the young man, in curt and hurried
accents, "do not run away with the idea that I have been making a
confession to-day. You are a strange man, and I have listened to you
from pure curiosity. But remember, I have confessed to nothing. Pray
do not forget that."

"I shall not forget it, you may depend---- How he is trembling! Don't
be uneasy, my friend--I shall not forget your advice. Take a little
stroll, only do not go beyond certain limits. I must, however, at all
costs," he added with lowered voice, "ask a small favor of you; it is
a delicate one, but has an importance of its own; assuming, although I
would view such a contingency as an improbable one--assuming, during
the next forty-eight hours, the fancy were to come upon you to put an
end to your life (excuse me my foolish supposition), would you mind
leaving behind you something in the shape of a note--a line or
so--pointing to the spot where the stone is?--that would be very
considerate. Well, _au revoir_! May God send you good thoughts!"

Porphyrius withdrew, avoiding Raskolnikoff's eye. The latter
approached the window, and impatiently waited till, according to his
calculation, the magistrate should be some distance from the house. He
then passed out himself in great haste.

A few days later, the prophecy of Porphyrius Petrovitch was fulfilled.
Driven by the torment of uncertainty and doubt, Raskolnikoff made up
his mind to confess his crime. Hastening through the streets, and
stumbling up the narrow stairway, he presented himself at the police
office.

With pale lips and fixed gaze, Raskolnikoff slowly advanced toward
Elia Petrovitch. Resting his head upon the table behind which the
lieutenant was seated, he wished to speak, but could only give vent to
a few unintelligible sounds.

"You are in pain, a chair! Pray sit down! Some water!"

Raskolnikoff allowed himself to sink on the chair that was offered
him, but he could not take his eyes off Elia Petrovitch, whose face
expressed a very unpleasant surprise. For a moment both men looked at
one another in silence. Water was brought!

"It was I--" commenced Raskolnikoff.

"Drink."

With a movement of his hand the young man pushed aside the glass which
was offered him; then, in a low-toned but distinct voice he made, with
several interruptions, the followi