Ostrov gave a short, abrupt laugh and said with decision:
“A little is of no use to me. I need a lot of money. But perhaps you’ll not think it much.”
“How much do you want?” asked Trirodov abruptly.
“Twenty thousand roubles,” replied Ostrov, making a determined effort to brazen it out.
“I’ll not give you so much,” said Trirodov, “and I couldn’t even if I wished to.”
Ostrov drew nearer to Trirodov and whispered:
“I’ll inform against you.”
“What then?” asked Trirodov, untouched by the threat.
“It will be bad for you. It’s a capital crime, as you know, my dear chap, and of a no mean order,” said Ostrov in a menacing tone.
“Yours, my good fellow,” said Trirodov in his usual calm voice.