"Why, are visitors admitted to-day?"
"No—special business," he answered.
"Where can I see him, then?"
"He will come out presently. Wait."
At that moment a sergeant-major in bright crown-laced uniform, his face radiant, and his mustache impregnated with smoke, appeared from a side door.
"Why did you admit him here? What is the office for?" he said sternly, turning to the warden.
"I was told that the inspector was here," said Nekhludoff, surprised at the embarrassment noticeable on the officer's face.
At that moment the inner door opened and Petroff, flushed and perspiring, came out.
"He will remember it," he said, turning to the sergeant-major.
The latter pointed with his eyes to Nekhludoff, and Petroff became silent, frowned and walked out through the rear door.