“This same affair,” said Ostrov, “is a very profitable article for us just now. Indeed, an article in the budget, as they say.”
“Why?”
Trirodov’s face did not reveal any astonishment, as Ostrov went on:
“We have Potseluytchikov among us, a very lively individual.”
“A thief?” asked Trirodov abruptly.
Ostrov smiled almost consciously, and said:
“Not exactly a thief, still one’s got to be careful with him. An able man in his way.”
Ostrov’s eyes assumed a frankly insolent expression. Trirodov asked:
“What sort of relation has he to this article in your budget?”
“We send him out to the rich men of the place.”